Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO) Technology
Actome’s pioneering PICO technology enables a highly versatile and sensitive approach to detect and quantify single proteins and protein interactions by translating protein status into DNA barcodes using digital PCR technology.
Applications
Actome’s PICO assay kits, in combination with our bioinformatic AMULATOR software, enable innovative applications in the fields of:
- Utmost sensitive protein biomarker detection
- Cellular pathway analysis
- Disruptive cancer research applications
- Innovative assays for pharmaceutical research
Performance
PICO products are based on a digital assay concept and utilize QIAGEN’s digital PCR (dPCR) technology for readout. This unique approach results in the following powerful features:
- Homogeneous assay - no washing required
- Digital detection of individual molecules
- Simultaneous detection of proteins, post translational modifications and interactions
- Measurement in the native biological environment
- Small input sample volume (down to 1 - 10 µL)
- Femtomolar sensitivity
Use-cases
Actome’s PICO technology empowers QIAGEN’s QIAcuity Digital PCR Systems to measure proteins and protein interactions. This enables novel assays and provides advantages over established technologies.
- Higher sensitivity
- More convenient workflow
- Only one instrument required
- Less input material required
- Higher sensitivity
- No target enrichment required
- Multi-omics approaches targeting proteins and RNA
- Detection of post-translational modifications
- Absolute quantification of proteins
The PICO Workflow
Antibody selection & labeling
After selection of appropriate antibodies against the target, the antibodies (I) are conjugated with Actomidin (II). PICO DNA-labels are loaded onto the antibodies to form ready-to-use binding agents (III) for the PICO assay.
Cell lysis & incubation
The cells are lysed (I) and then incubated (II) with two different antibodies that have been selected and labeled before.
Sample dilution & dPCR
After incubation, the sample is highly diluted (I) and the dPCR reaction is carried out on the QIAcuity system (II), using QIAGEN’s dPCR consumables and assay kits.
Analysis with AMULATOR software
The dPCR raw data is exported from the QIAcuity and uploaded to Actome’s AMULATOR software. The cloud-based software provides the user with comprehensive results regarding the targeted proteins and protein interactions.
Products
Together with QIAGEN and your preferred antibody supplier, Actome offers all you need to analyse proteins and protein interactions in full detail. Click on the images below to learn more about our products that are offered in our Webshop!
- Sample volumes down to 1 µL
- Target is analysed in its native environment
- Any liquid sample
- Measure proteins and protein interaction
- Select and use your own antibody pair for each target
- Monoclonal as well as polyclonal antibodies
- Femtomolar sensitivity
- Conjugation and loading of antibodies with PICO labels
- Assay kit sufficient for hundreds of dPCR reactions
Products:
PICO aAC
PICO aCALL
- Digital molecularly sensitive assay using labeled antibodies
- No washing
- Zero background
Products:
PICO AMC
- QIAcuity dPCR system used for readout
- Detection of up to 5 different PICO Labels simultaneously
- Personal cloud-based workspace
- Online analysis software
- Free registration
- Absolute number of proteins detected
- Direct graphical output of data
- Basic statistical evaluation
PICO Resources
Want to learn more about our PICO Technology? Please read "The PICO Handbook" and the "FAQ" or visit the "Additional Resources" for more information.
Our Vision and Mission
We at Actome believe that the comprehensive understanding of the human proteome and interactome is paramount for molecular biological research and will result in pharmaceutical innovations and novel personalized therapies. We are committed to improve science and molecular diagnostics by robust and innovative products.
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Next generation discovery and science are not only our guiding principles, but also inspire our collaborative research. If you have any questions or proposals don’t hesitate to contact us!
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