Q² Solutions’ next-generation single cell RNA sequencing methodology: increasing throughput with enhanced high quality assessments

Leveraging industry-leading technologies 10x Genomics® Chromium and Illumina® NovaSeq™ platforms and novel workflows to efficiently meet individual sequencing needs for sponsors

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Through scientific and tech-enabled advancements, commercial use of single cell RNA sequencing has increased in recent years, broadening the industry’s ability to understand and target cellular responses across specific cell types. Allowing scientists to analyze cell heterogeneity, examine differences with a group of cells to identify rare cell populations (e.g., tumor cells), showcase patterns in gene expression and more, single cell RNA sequencing is playing an integral role in innovative discoveries in clinical research and related drug development—advancing science and personalized treatment care for patients in need.

For many sponsors, especially those specializing in immuno-oncology, it is vital to leverage single cell RNA sequencing to accelerate research by exploring heterogeneity, tracking population changes and uncovering molecular interactions. However, typically, single cell sequencing is conducted with low throughput methodologies, leading to cost and budget constraints while yielding smaller scale production. In a complex and fast-paced global clinical development landscape, working with an expert clinical research organization partner with deep experience in advanced sequencing methodologies, leveraging leading technologies (listed below) and global support capabilities is important to ensure cost-effective, timely and comprehensive single cell resolution with high-throughput workflow, regardless of sample batch size:

• 10x Genomics® Chromium X for multi-dimensional insights at a single cell level
• llumina® NovaSeq™ for rapid, high throughput cell sequencing
• Cellaca™ MX for automated, high throughput cell assessment
• ThawSTAR® for automated cell thawing
• Curiox Laminar Flow for automated, reduced impact cell washing

Novel, scalable methodologies

When aiming to increase throughput to advance single cell RNA sequencing projects, whether large- or small-scale, maintaining high quality in workflow and production while meeting individual research needs of each sponsor is top of mind for Q² Solutions.

In customizing single cell sequencing solutions, the expert team continuously conducts strategic pilot projects to assess different types of clinical samples, including unique or notoriously low quality samples that represent the clinical landscape. Creating scenario-based knowledge through these projects helps the team better address challenges with flexible approaches. With an extensive range of services, the team is ready to define and optimize workflows and integrate the necessary solutions to meet individual project needs per real world clinical samples.

Advanced, agile automation

To provide single cell RNA sequencing with high quality, regardless of sample type, the expert team at Q² Solutions relies on advanced automated instrumentation to streamline sample collection, processing and assessment activities:

• Unlike commonly used manual water baths, Q² Solutions provides automated, temperature-controlled thaws for cryopreserved samples using ThawSTAR, reducing variability due to operator error, over thawing and contamination.
• Performing laminar flow cell washing with Curiox Laminar Flow, the team helps reduce manipulation and stress common with traditional centrifugation methods while increasing throughput via automation. Dead cells are also reduced to improve accuracy of results and avoid missed sequencing targets.
• Automating cell assessment via Cellaca™ MX, the team is able to rapidly examine quality control of samples for accuracy, reducing manual cell evaluation and related unnecessary manipulation.
• Using industry-leading 10x Genomics® Chromium X technology, our single cell RNA sequencing assay can profile up to 20,000 cells per sample, offering sponsors multi-dimensional data insights at a low cost per cell.
• Upon individual cell partitioning and barcoding for labeling and profiling purposes, through the Illumina® NovaSeq™ sequencing platform, our expert team can enable high throughput, with rapid and extensive sequencing for each sample to reduce assessment timelines, while also providing critical insights such as heterogeneity of tumor cells.
• The Q² Solutions web summary report offers sponsors batch level analysis with predictive outcomes for dead or dying cells, multiplets and cell population identities, going a step beyond industry standard software outputs.

Deep expertise

The expert team at Q² Solutions is able to define, fine tune and adapt workflows quickly per the type, quality and scale of samples provided and per location(s) needed across the globe. Another key to the process is maintaining long-standing relationships with qualified certified service providers to further support customizable workflows and leverage their working knowledge per real world sample experience. The team also combines standardized workflows that are flexible per individual sponsor needs along with a high level of quality control standards to help guide successful end-to-end sample processing.

To support the end-to-end activities and challenges per sponsor needs and at the scale required, the team can leverage the full range of Q² Solutions’ global laboratory solutions worldwide. For example, for sponsors needing to process and assess peripheral blood mononuclear cells or bone marrow mononuclear cells from around the globe, Q² Solutions can help efficiently collect, prepare and ship sensitive samples from varying regions to our state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics Innovation Laboratories in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, where a highly trained team of bioinformatics specialists can provide meaningful insights from varying cell analysis. Partnering with the Translational Science and Innovations Laboratory Services (TSAIL) team within the same laboratory, Q² Solutions also offers cell sorting and flow cytometry capabilities paired with single cell RNA analysis as well as deeper morphological insights via Spatial Transcriptomics.

Understanding that no two research needs are the same, our expert team aims to provide customized recommendations for single cell RNA sequencing, using the right mix of innovative and standardized techniques, methodologies and advanced technologies where appropriate, to optimize efficiencies with cost-effective solutions/approaches. Connect with us at ea-insidesales@q2labsoltuions.com so we can hear more about your specific needs and to learn about how our expert team and solutions may be able to help you meet your drug development needs.

About Q² Solutions

Q² Solutions is a leading global clinical trial laboratory services organization providing comprehensive testing, project management, supply chain, biorepository and specimen management, and clinical trial sample and consent tracking solutions. Leveraging our next generation technologies, we deliver agile and precise services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We focus our innovative solutions and scientific expertise on ADME, bioanalytical, genomics, immunoassays testing, vaccines and central laboratory services, including flow cytometry, anatomic pathology, molecular and companion diagnostics, and decentralized clinical trials while providing meticulous regional and global clinical trial implementation support and high-quality data delivery. Our Translational Science and Innovation Laboratory (TSAIL) provides access to a broad range of resources, including a multidisciplinary approach to early-stage human biomarker discovery and clinical sample testing to help accelerate drug development.

At Q² Solutions, our work is rooted in research, grounded in collaboration, and guided by our passion to turn the hope of patients and caregivers around the world into the help they need.

To learn more, please review the Q² Solutions Single Cell RNA Sequencing fact sheet.