DNA is made up of bases (nucleic acids). There are 4 bases: cytosine (C), guanine (G), adenine (A) and thymine (T). These bases form long chains (the total human genome comprises approximately 3 billion base pairs), the order and length of the bases determines the properties / functions of a certain chain (i.e. a gene). DNA is located in the cell nucleus. The functional properties are expressed by reading (copying) a sequence; the copy is transported from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm of the cell where the copy is translated into a functional protein. The copy is called RNA. RNA is an exact copy of the specific coding DNA (the target). Target  sequences can be selected on the basis of analyzing DNA databases and can be produced synthetically. These synthetic sequences can be used to identify target DNA by in-situ hybridization techniques. Synthesized RNA sequences are short and contain 10-50 bases.

With in-situ hybridization techniques, the probe must be labeled with a marker to allow detection. With short sequences it is not possible to label enough markers on the probe with a low sensitivity as a result. However, with a large number of target sequences each labeled with polymer detectable labels a sensitivity of 96% can be reached according to recent publications.

• a Msc degree in the field of Biochemistry is required

Fixed-term contract: 3-6 months.

We estimate that the project could be carried out within 3-6 months. Work activities take place at PanPath in cooperation with PanPath employees and a at a hospital pathology department.

PanPath B.V.  is a privately owned company founded by scientists with a background in pathology and molecular biology. This knowledge is combined with a broad experience in the environment of commercial companies active in antibodies, detection systems and molecular biology. PanPath B.V. is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company was founded in 2002 and started with the introduction of the REMBRANDT® product group. The brief history of PanPath is marked with the launch of a broad range of well-designed products, a world-wide distributor network and a corporate image of quality and reliability. The innovative R&D has resulted in an improvement of the REMBRANDT® product group and the addition of new products for the detection of cancer related genetic markers.

PanPath products are designed for ease of use. The high production standards are combined with a continuous Quality Control for each product in order to ensure reproducible results with minimised lot to lot variation.

PanPath distributors are competent and knowledgeable, and we keep them regularly informed on all aspects of the technology and applications of our products.

The Mission
PanPath mission is the development, production and sales of innovative diagnostics for the pathology market with support from a number of scientists located at different research institutes, worldwide. PanPath strongly believes in co-operation with scientists who are active in scientific research in order to be kept aware of the needs encountered in daily routine.

Advantages of the ISH technology
Localisation of infectious agents in tissues/cells and quantitative measurement in solution are used as complementary methods in diagnostics. For example, ELISA's, Immunohistochemistry, PCR and in situ hybridisation with DNA probes are commonly used in laboratories worlwide. The additional value of ISH over conventional diagnostics lies in the fact that it enables the direct detection of specific DNA or RNA molecules in histological and cytological specimens (cervical smears, samples of blister, nose and other fluids, tissue sections, etc.), without losing the often very essential morphological details.

In contrast to PCR
ISH can provide molecular information within the context of histomorphological details.

In contrast to immunohistochemistry

• ISH is a reliable and sensitive method in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections and additionally offering the possibility for retrospective studies on archival material;
• ISH does not depend on antigen-expression;
• ISH is a highly specific technique thanks to
• the direct detection of specific DNA/RNA sequences (antibodies are always a second line product).