Cytosurge and Lexogen join forces for cell sequencing

The Opfikon-based biotech company Cytosurge and Lexogen, a Viennese specialist in RNA sequencing, have signed an agreement for the sequencing of living cells (Live-seq). According to a press release, the companies are using the FluidFM OMNIUM semi-automated platform developed by Cytosurge and the LUTHOR single-cell RNA sequencing platform from Lexogen. The Live-seq technology was developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) and Lausanne(EPFL), as detailed in the press release.

Together, the aim is to offer an optimal workflow that allows researchers to genetically sequence living cells without interfering with the viability of the cells. Changes in gene expression in the cells could be observed and cataloged over time. According to the press release, such an approach could provide new insights into cell biology and also lead to new therapeutic developments.

"The partnership with Lexogen is a decisive step in advancing our goal of achieving precise single-cell analysis," said Pascal Behr, CEO of Cytosurge, in the press release. "The combination of our FluidFM technology and Lexogen's high-sensitivity kit allows us to deliver a comprehensive solution for Live-seq that opens new avenues in transcriptomics research." Filippo Passardi, Product Manager at Lexogen, is convinced that "this partnership opens up new possibilities for tracking how individual cells change over time". This is particularly important in areas such as cancer research, where subtle changes in cell populations can have a significant impact. ce/ww