As the life sciences grow towards deeper biological understanding, scientists are no longer satisfied with simple single-layer biology.
Rather, life sciences today involve the integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, collectively referred to as multi-omics research.
While cutting-edge sequencing analysis plays an important role in these areas of research, success begins long before that. It begins in how biological samples are preserved.
Its intended use is aimed at facilitating complex research that is integrative in its approach.
However, the challenge that the solution is focused on is that presented by multi-omics research, specifically the preservation of the intact molecules that make up
In this blog, we will delve into what is multiomics research, why sample preservation is essential, and how OmniPreserve makes possible the analysis of multiomics data from a single preserved sample.
Shift Toward Multi-Omics Research Workflow
In order to grasp the utility of OmniPreserve, first it’s necessary to explain what multiomics research is.
Multi-omics studies combine various layers of biological data to give a holistic perspective of cellular biology.
Biologists no longer study DNA, RNA, and proteins separately but also investigate them altogether to establish the intricate relationships between them.
This integrated strategy is revolutionizing:
- Disease mechanisms discovery
- The pharmaceutical industry and biomarkers research
- Precision medicine and systems biology
- Translational research
Nevertheless, a successful analytical pathway in multi-omics studies is vastly dependent upon one crucial element, namely, the quality of the original biological materials used.
Why Sample Preservation Matters More Than Ever
In most multi-omics analyses, DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites have to be extracted separately from the same biological sample.
Every molecule mentioned here has a different set of stability requirements, as well as degradation vulnerabilities.
Poor preservation can result in:
- RNA degradation and Its Impacts
- Protein denatures
- Loss of metabolite or changes affecting metabolic fingerprints
- Inconsistent results across omics layers
Because of these factors, preserved biological samples underlie all good multi-omics analyses. Indeed, even with today’s best sequencers, some information is irretrievably lost unless biological samples are properly preserved.
Challenge of Preserving Samples for Multi-Omics
Classic preservation strategies have generally been designed with single-omics studies in mind. Even formalin fixation, for instance, could preserve tissue morphology but would dramatically impact nucleic acids and proteins.
In multi-omics analysis, researchers require solution methods that:
- Stabilize several classes of biomolecules simultaneously
- To Maintain Molecular Profiles over Time
- Permits malleability in downstream processing
- Minimize batch-to-batch
This, essentially, is the void that OmniPreserve was meant to fill.
What Sets OmniPreserve Apart in Multi-Omics Workflows
It is specifically designed to facilitate multi-omics analysis by ensuring that the molecules are conserved from collection through analysis.
It is different from conventional preservatives because it can protect different biomolecules simultaneously in a sample.
Primary Benefits of OmniPreserve:
- Joint stabilization of DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites
- Compatibility with varied downstream analyses
- Lower damage in transit or storage
- Consistent performance across types of samples
With the help of OmniPreserve, it is possible to preserve the integrity of the samples, thus allowing the creation of credible multi-omics data.
Enabling Seamless Multi-Omics Data Analysis
The use of high-quality data from multi-omics sources needs consistency in layers. In cases where samples have been unequally preserved, discrepancies arise.
- OmniPreserve makes possible seamless data integration through:
- Reduction of molecular bias introduced in the preservation process
- Omics platforms ensure the comparative quality
- Noise removal with degradation artifacts
This enables interrelated genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies to have corresponding datasets that match more accurately. This makes bioinformatics analysis more robust and meaningful.
Flexibility in Applied Research
One major advantage that can be attributed to the use of OmniPreserve is its versatility across a variety of studies. Whether in academic labs, biotechnology studies, or translational studies, it easily integrates with existing study processes.
- Cancer biology and profiling of tumors
- Immunology and inflammatory disease studies
- Microbiome and host response studies
- Drug response and toxicity evaluation
- Population-scale omics research
In situations or research wherein the sample is not readily available, OmniPreserve offers the opportunity to derive maximum benefit from one preserved specimen.
Supporting Reproducibility and Scalability
Reproducibility of research results still persists as an area of concern in omics studies. Sample treatment differences significantly influence variability in research results.
- OmniPreserve assists in alleviating the
- Establishing standard conditions for preservation
- Removing pre-analytical variability
- Enabling data reproducibility across time and geography
This becomes extremely helpful for large-scale research where the samples may be processed at separate locations or could be stored for a prolonged period of time before processing.
Optimizing Preserved Biological Specimens for Downstream Success
Preservation is not a simple storage but rather sample preparation for success in different experiment trajectories. OmniPreserve ensures perseverance of preserved biological samples with regard to compatibility with:
- Sequencing-based assays
- Mass spectrometry Workflows
- High-throughput screening platforms
- Emerging multi-modal analysis techniques
The advantage of this versatility is that the researcher can change the study design without worrying whether the available specimens will be sufficient for analysis.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Multi-Omics Research Workflows
Advances in multi-omics analysis methodologies will drive further improvement, and the relevance of robust preservation methods will increase correspondingly with the advent of more integrated, larger, and more accurate analysis.
Solutions such as OmniPreserve put scholars in a position where
- Make them future-proof
- Maximize return on valuable biological material
- Handling more complex analytical workflows
In considering preservation on a molecular level, OmniPreserve can ensure the vision from multi-omics research is fully realized.
To Wrap Up
Multi-omics studies are revolutionizing the paradigm of biology, diseases, and treatment response. However, the success of such studies relies entirely on the preservation of samples before the commencement of analysis.
OmniPreserve shines as a solution specifically designed for multi-omics research workflows, assisting in the preservation of a wide range of biomolecules, thus making it possible to perform multi-omics data analysis from one preserved specimen.
With Uncoded’s passion for excellence in research, OmniPreserve forms a solid foundation for future-ready life sciences research.