Low-input FLASH-seq service

Benefits

High sensitivity for low-input RNA: From as low as 1 pg per sample. Up to 2x more genes detected than other commercially available solutions.

Full-length coverage: From differential gene expression to splicing variants and isoform detection.

No prior RNA extraction needed: Simply FACS-sort the cells in the provided plates and send them our way.

Fast turnaround times: From samples to data in as little as four weeks.

MERCURIUS^TM

Low-input

FLASH-seq 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 (1pg to 1ng), subcellular inputs, liquid biopsies, exosomes, microbiopsies, small organoids and even early embryons.

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).

Our FLASH-seq team will then process the plates and return results in as little as four weeks.

As a result of our service, our clients receive raw sequencing data (fastq files), gene count matrices and analysis reports files.

Optional downstream differential gene expression analysis is also available upon request.

How it works

Step 3

Client ships the plate(s) to Alithea

To preserve sample quality, plates must be placed between dry ice—not just on top. Inadequate cooling may compromise RNA integrity!

Sample submission form for MERCURIUSTM service

Step 4

MERCURIUS™ FLASH-seq

2 days

Step 5

Library QC - Client Checkpoint

(Fragment analyzer)

1 week

Step 6

Deep sequencing

1 week

Step 7

Data analysis and reporting - Client Checkpoint

Example of sample report

1 week

Step 8

Data

Optional: Alithea performs Differential Gene Expression analysis

Performance

FLASH_seq-highest sensitivity in gene detection

MERCURIUS™ FLASH-seq shows the highest sensitivity in gene detection

The number of detected genes in HEK 293T cells processed with different protocols. Reads were downsampled to 500,000 raw reads.

The MERCURIUSTM FLASH-seq sensitivity is retained even in highly heterogeneous populations

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.

FLASH-seq discriminates between rare cell populations

MERCURIUS™ FLASH-seq can discriminate rare cell populations in heterogeneous samples

UMAP of hPBMC, automatically annotated using Azimuth (Hao et al, 2021).

FAQs

MERCURIUS™ FLASH-seq is a plate-based method that focuses on polyadenylated RNA, which includes most mRNAs. It provides detailed information on gene structure and alternative splicing. Its ability to capture full-length mRNA transcripts and detect low-abundance genes makes it a powerful tool for gene expression profiling.

FLASH-seq protocol was designed to enhance both the sensitivity and efficiency of single-cell mRNA sequencing compared to the most famous plate-based method, Smart-seq2

Read more about the technology in our blog posts: here and here.
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.
We require the samples to be added to the lysis buffer that we will ship. The first step is to distribute the buffer in the wells of the dedicated plate(s) that will provide as well. The second step is to add the samples, in the lysis buffer and snap freeze the plates.

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!