A proven end-to-end product portfolio for mRNA research

The process for mRNA research and discovery requires flexible products and technologies to meet many of your diverse needs. To effectively facilitate mRNA discovery, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a variety of products that span the entire portfolio from target gene identification and synthesis, plasmid production, in vitro transcription, and delivery through tomeasuring protein expression and immune response.

mRNA discovery workflow

Target genes for mRNA therapeutics and vaccines are often discovered and validated using techniques, such as next generation sequencing (NGS). The target sequence will be selected, optimized, synthesized, and inserted into a DNA plasmid to use as a template for mRNA synthesis using in vitro transcription to produce the mRNA for further testing.

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In vitro transcription uses the linearized DNA template containing the target gene, nucleotides, and enzymes to synthesize mRNA. The resulting mRNA product can be synthesized utilizing modified nucleotides or with mRNA capping and tailing to enhance protein translation, improve stability, or reduce immunogenicity as required.

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In vitro transcription

mRNA clean-up

Quantification

Resources

The final mRNA product is isolated and purified by affinity purification using beads or a column and further prepared using chromatography and filtration as needed. After purification, the mRNA is formulated for delivery to the test model system typically using lipid nanoparticles that are made up of a number of component lipids and other materials.

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Purification

Delivery

Quantification

Resources

Once the target mRNA has been synthesized, formulated, and delivered, measuring uptake and incorporation of the mRNA is typically done using a cell- or tissue-based system. mRNA incorporation can be measured and visualized using several techniques including RT-PCR, Northern blot, or in situ hybridization.

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Resources

mRNA therapeutics or vaccines are often designed to induce production of a protein or protein fragment in target cells and patients. Measuring the production of the protein encoded by the mRNA is key to determining the success of a mRNA therapeutic candidate. During the pre-clinical phase, protein expression can be measured indirectly using techniques such as western blotting or fluorescence detection, or directly by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). 

T cell activation is also an important measure of the activity of an mRNA, particularly with immunotherapies, and antigen processing and presentation can be monitored using appropriate T cell gene expression microarrays.

Alternatively, many mRNA based immune therapies are designed to stimulate humoral immunity through the production of antibodies directed at the target protein encoded by the mRNA. Measuring this antibody response to the mRNA therapeutic candidate is vital information for an mRNA immunotherapeutic or vaccine. During the discovery phase, ELISA assays are a commonly used technique to track an antibody or protein response to an mRNA therapeutic candidate.

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Kits and assays

Imaging systems

Resources

Target genes for mRNA therapeutics and vaccines are often discovered and validated using techniques, such as next generation sequencing (NGS). The target sequence will be selected, optimized, synthesized, and inserted into a DNA plasmid to use as a template for mRNA synthesis using in vitro transcription to produce the mRNA for further testing.

Featured products

Resources

In vitro transcription uses the linearized DNA template containing the target gene, nucleotides, and enzymes to synthesize mRNA. The resulting mRNA product can be synthesized utilizing modified nucleotides or with mRNA capping and tailing to enhance protein translation, improve stability, or reduce immunogenicity as required.

Featured products & services

In vitro transcription

mRNA clean-up

Quantification

Resources

The final mRNA product is isolated and purified by affinity purification using beads or a column and further prepared using chromatography and filtration as needed. After purification, the mRNA is formulated for delivery to the test model system typically using lipid nanoparticles that are made up of a number of component lipids and other materials.

Featured products

Purification

Delivery

Quantification

Resources

Once the target mRNA has been synthesized, formulated, and delivered, measuring uptake and incorporation of the mRNA is typically done using a cell- or tissue-based system. mRNA incorporation can be measured and visualized using several techniques including RT-PCR, Northern blot, or in situ hybridization.

Featured products

Resources

mRNA therapeutics or vaccines are often designed to induce production of a protein or protein fragment in target cells and patients. Measuring the production of the protein encoded by the mRNA is key to determining the success of a mRNA therapeutic candidate. During the pre-clinical phase, protein expression can be measured indirectly using techniques such as western blotting or fluorescence detection, or directly by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). 

T cell activation is also an important measure of the activity of an mRNA, particularly with immunotherapies, and antigen processing and presentation can be monitored using appropriate T cell gene expression microarrays.

Alternatively, many mRNA based immune therapies are designed to stimulate humoral immunity through the production of antibodies directed at the target protein encoded by the mRNA. Measuring this antibody response to the mRNA therapeutic candidate is vital information for an mRNA immunotherapeutic or vaccine. During the discovery phase, ELISA assays are a commonly used technique to track an antibody or protein response to an mRNA therapeutic candidate.

Featured products

Kits and assays

Imaging systems

Resources


Custom mRNA Synthesis Service

Our Custom Biology Services group is ready to help build the mRNA to meet any of your small-scale research needs. Whether you have a full mRNA template ready to go or want to plug-n-play with our proven designs, our flexibility in scales and QC options can support a variety of applications. We offer fully customizable mRNA with 5’ cap options, including ARCA or CleanCap® Reagent AG, modified nucleotides, and scales as low as 50 μg. We support the entire workflow from in vitro transcription template design through mRNA synthesis and lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, with a seamless transition into our cGMP manufacturing offerings.

To submit an inquiry for our Custom mRNA Synthesis Service, use our general service inquiry form. Simply click below to navigate to the form, and check the box for Custom mRNA Synthesis Services within the Cell Engineering tab.

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Learn more about in vitro transcription

Graphic illustration of RNA polymerase creating mRNA transcript

In vitro transcription basics

Dive into in vitro transcription with an experimental overview and resources to understand how mRNA is synthesized.

Review the basics

Laboratory researcher working with a microscope

History of in vitro transcription

Discover the evolution of mRNA research and in vitro transcription, from foundational discoveries through modern-day implications. 

Learn the story

Discover mRNA research applications

Gloved hand holding a glass vial

mRNA applications in oncology 

Understand how synthetic mRNA produced via in vitro transcription has emerged as a useful tool in oncology therapeutic research.

Dive deeper 

Lipid nanoparticle delivering mRNA to a cell

In vivo applications

Learn how mRNA vaccines are utilized in vivo and the role of lipid nanoparticles.
 

Discover more 

Graphic rendering of viral particles

mRNA vaccine developments

Uncover how COVID-19 vaccine development has influenced mRNA vaccine research in other therapeutic areas. 

Read article 


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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.