Services
Services
Customized and Adaptable Solutions
At PsychoGenics, our core strength lies in the identification and analysis of biomarkers in preclinical rodent models of CNS disorders. From blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tissues sampled from your in vivo rodent study we can measure a diverse range of biomarkers that help translate into clinical insight.
Cell Culture Assays
Our capabilities include cell culture assays of primary neurons and glia harvested from genetically modified and wild type rodents. This provides a powerful tool to study mechanism of action and potential toxicity of compounds. Primary cultures also allow investigators to evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical agents, gene over expression, or transcript silencing, on neuronal development and survival, as well as changes in biomarkers expression.
Transcript Analysis by qPCR
At PsychoGenics, we leverage the robust capabilities of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) to rapidly discern gene expression changes at the mRNA level post systemic drug administration. By normalizing the expression level of your gene of interest to the mean values of housekeeping genes, we deliver precise quantification.
Transcript Analysis by Multiplexed RNAscope in Situ Hybridization Technology
At PsychoGenics, we use RNAscope, a highly sensitive in situ hybridization method, allowing detection and quantitative analysis of specific transcripts in tissues and cells. Additionally, RNAscope can be used in combination with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the simultaneous detection of RNA and protein within the same tissue section. In combination with our robust and fully automated image quantification capabilities multiplexed IHC and RNAscope provide an ideal platform for evaluation of multiple biomarkers at the cellular level.
Protein Quantification by Western Blot
Quantitative western blotting is frequently used to monitor protein levels, post-translational modifications, and to understand the mechanism of action for drug candidates. Protein abundance is evaluated by in lane normalization to a housekeeping protein, when possible.
Single and Multiplex Immunoassays in Plasma CSF and Tissue Samples
PsychoGenics offers ELISA-type assays via MesoScale, Luminex, and Quanterix assay systems. These offer a fast, quantifiable, and convenient approach to monitor the protein level changes of biomarkers of interest.
Endogenous Molecules Measured by LC-MS/MS
We offer the analysis of a variety of endogenous molecules and can combine this with drug measures to provide PK/PD results:
- Kynurenine metabolites
- Monoamines (dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and their metabolites)
- Amino acids (glutamate, GABA, D- and L-serine, cysteine)
- Other small neurochemicals (acetylcholine, histamine)
- Oxidative stress markers (glutathione)
- Lipids (corticosteroids)
- Purines (adenosine, others)
If you have specific molecules of interest beyond this list, we are equipped to accommodate your request and support your unique research needs.
Discover Our Immunohistochemistry and Histology Services
If your samples are generated from an in vivo study conducted with us at PsychoGenics you save time and resources that would otherwise be wasted on shipping and project handoffs. However, you can also ship us samples from your in-house or partner studies to take advantage of our comprehensive solutions. Through the merging of various analytical methods and tissue sample examinations, we offer a comprehensive perspective on your compound’s impact on molecular targets and downstream effectors.