Aim of the Nanostring core facility is to offer the use the nanoString® nCounter Analysis System ( https://www.nanostring.com ) for direct multiplexed measurement of analytes with a digital barcode technology with high levels of precision and sensitivity (< 1 copy per cell). Each color-coded barcode is attached to a single target-specific probe corresponding to a target of interest. Combined together with invariant controls, the probes form a multiplexed CodeSet. This system provides the following features:

• Multiplex assessment of hundreds of targets in a single reaction
• Fully automated system, exceptionally easy-to-use
• No enzymes or library prep required to perform assay

The Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (IEPT) of the UKE acquired this system in 2016 via a very generous support of the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK).

- RNA analysis either with your own probe panel (developed by nanostring®)

- RNA analysis with customized panels developed by the IEPT (human, mouse, rat cardiac panels):

• Basic set panel of 31 genes (for human, mouse or rat) that are dysregulated in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, plus 5 housekeeping genes.
• Extension panels of 24 genes encoding proteins involved in 6 unrelated pathways (for either human or mouse targets): autophagy, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac sarcomere, hippo/Wnt pathways, cell cycle and microtubules (gene names are available on demand).

- Human karyotyping analysis on human genomic DNA

The Nanostring Core facility is open to all researchers at the UKE and other interested researchers. Before using the nanoString® nCounter Analysis System, scientists should write a brief description of the project and send it by e-mail ( Prof. Dr. Lucie Carrier and Elisabeth Krämer so that the feasibility of the project can be evaluated. It is important to know which material and which required methodology should be used (e.g. nanoString® panels or custom-made IEPT gene panels).