MERCURIUS™
Low-Input FLASH-seq Service
for high-sensitivity RNA-seq
This service enables full-length mRNA transcript coverage from low RNA inputs from precious samples (1pg to 1ng).
Ultra-sensitive
RNA-seq
Full-length transcript coverage
Discriminates rare cells in heterogeneous samples
About the service
The MERCURIUS™ Low-input FLASH-seq service offers the most sensitive, full-length mRNA and cost-effective solution even for low-abundance genes, empowering researchers to explore differential gene expression, detect alternative splicing, and analyze isoform diversity, all critical for understanding complex biology, especially in rare cell populations.
This service is dedicated to low RNA input from precious samples (1 pg to 1 ng), subcellular inputs, liquid biopsies, exosomes, microbiopsies, small organoids, and early embryos.
As part of the FLASH-seq service, clients simply need to ship the frozen plates with the samples to our service centers located in Switzerland and the United States.
As a result of our service, our clients receive raw sequencing data (fastq files), gene count matrices, and analysis report files.
at 0.5M reads/sample
1. Alithea ships the plate(s)
To preserve sample quality, plates must be placed between dry ice—not just on top. Inadequate cooling may compromise RNA integrity!
2. MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq library prep
2 days
3. Library QC- Client Checkpoint
(Qubit, Fragment analyzer, shallow sequencing)
1 week
4. Deep Sequencing on AVITI or Illumina, depending on the request by the client
1 week
5. Data analysis and reporting- Client Checkpoint
1 week
6. Data Delivery
Raw FASTQ files, sample report file, QC files, and gene count tables
MERCURIUS™ FLASH-seq Detects More Genes Than Smart-seq3 and Smart-seq2 with Greater Consistency
FLASH-seq detects a median of approximately 11,000 genes per sample in HEK293T cells, outperforming Smart-seq3 and Smart-seq2 after downsampling all to 500k reads/sample.
The Sensitivity Of MERCURIUS™ FLASH-Seq Is Retained Even In Highly Heterogeneous Populations
Number of genes detected in human PBMCs, processed with different protocols, and the number of reads downsampled to 125,000 raw reads.
MERCURIUS™ FLASH-Seq Is A Full-Length ScRNA-Seq Protocol
Gene body coverage shows a uniform read distribution across the entire gene body for the FLASH-seq protocol.
MERCURIUS™ FLASH-Seq Shows High Sensitivity For Low Sample Inputs
The number of genes detected in HEK 293T cells using different RNA inputs (from 2.5 pg to 250 pg) at different sequencing depths.
Example of report
FLASH-seq sample report
Publications
- FLASH-seq, Single-cell FLASH-seq
Andrea Salati, Yves Paychère, Vincent Hahaut, Cédric Gobet, Felix Naef
- FLASH-seq, Single-cell FLASH-seq
Tarek Elmzzahi, Chun-Hsi Su, Mehrnoush Hadaddzadeh Shakiba, Doaa Hamada, DaryaMalko, Maren Koehne, Aleksej Frolov, Teisha Mason, Yuanfang Li, Rebekka Scholz, Collins Osei-Sarpong, Leonie Heyden, Jonas Schulte-Schrepping, Lorenzo Bonaguro, Kristian Haendler, Vassiliki Boussiotis, Annett Halle, Elena De Domenico, Daniel HDGray, Martin Fuhrmann, Zeinab Abdullah, Axel Kallies, Kevin Man, Marc D. Beyer.
- FLASH-seq, Single-cell FLASH-seq
Akisawa Satomi, Riho Saito, Tadahaya Mizuno, Hiroki Sugishita, Hideki Ukai, Shigeyuki Shichino, Masashi Yanagisawa, Kouji Matsushima, Yukiko Gotoh, Tomohiko Okazaki.
- FLASH-seq, Single-cell FLASH-seq
Hahaut, V., Pavlinic, D., Carbone, W et al.,
Sample Datasets
Hap1
24
10'000 reads
To have access to the deep-sequenced dataset (7.3 M reads per sample) contact us.
13.3 MB
HepG2
65
10'000 reads
4.76 MB
HeLa
24
10'000 reads
To have access to the deep-sequenced dataset (7.1 M reads per sample) contact us.
13.6 MB
What is MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq, and how does it work?
How is MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq different from the original FLASH-seq protocol?
We have significantly enhanced the original FLASH-seq method to offer a streamlined workflow and superior data output. This plate-based technology (available in 96- and 384-well formats) features a novel, non-toxic tagmentation buffer and delivers ultra-sensitive gene detection, capturing up to two times more genes compared to other commercially available solutions.
What type of samples can be used in MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq?
The MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq protocol is designed for low RNA input from precious samples (1 pg to 1 ng), subcellular inputs, liquid biopsies, exosomes, microbiopsies, small organoids, and early embryos.
How should I prepare my samples?
You are required to extract RNA from the samples and normalize them to the same concentration prior to freezing and shipping.
Please note! To preserve sample quality during shipping, plates must be placed between dry ice—not just on top. Inadequate cooling may compromise RNA integrity!
What is the turnaround time?
From the moment we receive the frozen plates until the moment we deliver the sequencing data, we typically estimate four weeks.
Ask your question:
Getting started with our MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq services is simple
You can either book a call with our experts to discuss your project or submit your experimental details via our contact form so we can review your design and requirements.
Based on the goals, sample types, and scale of your study, we may recommend starting with a pilot project to optimise conditions and de-risk a larger screen.
If you’re interested in implementing the technology in your own lab instead, you can explore our MERCURIUS™ Low-Input FLASH-seq kits on the dedicated kits page.
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