Featured Next-Generation Sequencing Services
Explore our core high-throughput genomics solutions designed to accelerate biological discovery and clinical research across Singapore's scientific community.
Understanding Stranded mRNA-Seq: The Standard for Modern Transcriptomics
In molecular biology, transcriptomics provides a comprehensive view of how genes are expressed under specific environmental conditions, disease states, or developmental stages. Traditional non-stranded RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) has historically been a valuable tool, but it lacks the ability to differentiate the coding strand from its complementary template. This is where Stranded mRNA-Seq (also known as directional RNA-Seq) becomes indispensable. By preserving the strand orientation of each RNA transcript during library preparation, stranded sequencing offers unmatched precision.
The biochemical workflow of Stranded mRNA-Seq relies on the dUTP second-strand marking method. During cDNA synthesis, dUTP is incorporated instead of dTTP in the second strand. Before PCR amplification, this dUTP-marked strand is selectively degraded, ensuring that only the first strand (which directly corresponds to the original RNA template) is sequenced. This directional information enables researchers to accurately resolve overlapping genes transcribed from opposite strands, identify antisense transcription—which plays a crucial regulatory role in eukaryotic genomes—and map reads to the reference genome with significantly higher accuracy.
Why Directional Information Matters:
• Antisense Transcript Identification: Detect non-coding antisense RNAs that regulate gene expression.
• Accurate Gene Quantification: Prevent false positives caused by overlapping genes on opposite genomic strands.
• Enhanced Mapping Efficiency: Improve alignment rates, particularly in complex or poorly annotated genomes.
The Biomedical and Industrial Landscape in Singapore
Singapore has firmly established itself as the biomedical sciences capital of Asia. Through strategic government initiatives, state-of-the-art infrastructure like Biopolis and Tuas Biomedical Park, and world-class academic institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the nation has created a thriving ecosystem for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and precision medicine.
Within this vibrant hub, high-throughput sequencing technologies, specifically Stranded mRNA-Seq, serve as the backbone for both basic research and commercial applications. The local biopharmaceutical sector leverages transcriptomics to accelerate drug discovery pipelines, identify novel biomarkers for oncology, and evaluate therapeutic efficacy at the molecular level. Additionally, Singapore's focus on precision medicine—exemplified by the National Precision Medicine (NPM) program—relies heavily on detailed transcriptomic profiling to understand disease mechanisms specific to Asian populations.
Furthermore, the industrial landscape in Singapore extends beyond human health. With the government's "30 by 30" food security goal, local agritech and aquaculture enterprises increasingly utilize RNA-Seq to develop resilient crop strains and monitor pathogen resistance in urban farming systems. The demand for reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective Stranded mRNA-Seq services and quotes in Singapore has never been higher, driving the need for advanced automated sequencing facilities.
Key Localized Applications & Industry Trends
1. Precision Oncology & Biomarker Discovery
In Singapore's leading hospitals and cancer centers, researchers use Stranded mRNA-Seq to sequence patient-derived tumor samples. By preserving strand orientation, scientists can identify novel fusion genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that act as oncogenic drivers, paving the way for personalized cancer therapies.
2. Infectious Disease Research & Immunology
With institutions like the Duke-NUS Medical School leading global viral research, understanding host-pathogen interactions is critical. Stranded RNA-Seq allows investigators to simultaneously track viral replication dynamics and the host's immune response, providing key insights for vaccine development.
3. Agritech & Urban Aquaculture
To support Singapore's food sustainability targets, local scientists apply transcriptomics to study stress tolerance in crops and disease resistance in barramundi. Stranded mRNA-Seq helps pinpoint genetic pathways that can be targeted through molecular breeding programs.
4. The Rise of Automation and Spatial Transcriptomics
The industry is shifting toward full laboratory automation to eliminate human error and shorten turnaround times. Simultaneously, integrating bulk RNA-Seq with spatial transcriptomics technologies, such as BMKMANU S3000, allows researchers to map gene expression directly onto tissue sections.
About Biomarker Technologies (BMKGene)
Biomarker Technologies (BMKGene), founded in 2009, is a leading genomics service provider with over 16 years of continuous innovation in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. Backed by more than 60 national invention patents and 200+ software copyrights, we deliver comprehensive multi-omics solutions—spanning genomics, metagenomics, epigenetics, single-cell omics, transcriptomics, and our proprietary BMKMANU S3000 spatial transcriptome technology—supported by our advanced BMKCloud bioinformatics platform. We have established long-term collaborations with organizations across 84 regions worldwide, providing reliable genomic solutions on a global scale.
Leading, Multi-level High-throughput Sequencing Platforms
To ensure the highest data quality and support diverse research goals, BMKGene operates an extensive array of cutting-edge sequencing and analytical instruments:
- PacBio platforms: Sequel II, Sequel, RSII
- Nanopore platforms: PromethION P48, GridION X5, MinION
- 10X Genomics: 10X ChromiumX, 10X Chromium Controller
- Illumina platforms: NovaSeq
- BGI-sequencing platforms: DNBSEQ-G400, DNBSEQ-T7
- Bionano Irys system
- Waters XEVO G2-XS QTOF
- QTRAP 6500+
State-of-the-Art Laboratory & Bioinformatic Power
Our facilities cover over 20,000 square feet, featuring advanced biomolecular laboratory instruments, standard labs for sample extraction, library construction, clean rooms, and dedicated sequencing rooms. Every step follows strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guarantee reproducible, publication-ready results.
Beyond sequencing, we provide a reliable, easy-to-use online bioinformatics platform. Our self-developed BMKCloud platform is equipped with CPUs featuring 41,104 memory, 3 PB of total storage, and 4,260 computing cores, delivering a peak computing power of over 121,708.8 Gflop per second.
Brilliant Lab 1000: Fully Automated NGS Library Construction
Pioneering Efficiency and Quality in Transcriptomics
Biomarker Technologies (BMKGene) and PerkinElmer have jointly built a fully automated experimental production line, called Brilliant Lab 1000 (BL1000), which is applied to the high-throughput NGS library construction service.
By integrating automated liquid handling, plate sealing, thermocycling, and magnetic bead purification, the BL1000 platform dramatically reduces manual handling errors. BMKGENE strives to greatly improve the entire line of sequencing products in terms of product types, production line throughput, delivery quality, and cycle time, to provide customers with better sequencing services.
Inside Our Advanced Automated Sequencing Facility
Enterprise Qualifications & Certifications
Our commitment to scientific excellence and quality control is validated by international standards, joint laboratory designations, and patents. BMKGene operates under rigorous quality management systems to support clinical trials and industrial R&D.
Patents & Software Copyrights
Get a Custom Stranded mRNA-Seq Quote in Singapore
Whether you need deep transcriptomic sequencing for biomarker identification, clinical validation, or agricultural research, our local genomic specialists are here to assist. Contact us today for a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific sample numbers, sequencing depth requirements, and bioinformatic needs.
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