Since the development of its first iteration in the late 90s, the Roche LightCycler® instruments have established themselves as versatile and reliable, high-performance technology. Today, it’s a firm favourite amongst the research community, playing a vital role in powering new discoveries. 1,2 Roche continues to innovate and with the LightCycler® PRO System, Roche has updated the industry standard.
Learn how powerful hardware and software upgrades at the heart of the LightCycler® PRO System are taking clinical research to the next level. Understand how you can use this powerful research tool to expedite and enhance discovery today.
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a cornerstone analytical approach in many molecular labs. It is used within both research and clinical diagnostics settings to quantify activity, understand cellular processes, identify biomarkers, and diagnose genetic disorders.
During analysis, qPCR is used to amplify short genetic sequences – allowing researchers to estimate gene expression levels and differential expression patterns. Such are the benefits of this approach, qPCR has now replaced a number other, more cumbersome lab methods due to its superior speed, accuracy and reliability.3
qPCR workflows begin with either DNA or complementary DNA (cDNA) as their starting material. Primers are annealed to a sequence of interest and a DNA polymerase enzyme synthesizes new strands. As each sequence is amplified, fluorescent dyes or probes (attached to each primer) emit signals proportional to the sequence quantity. Signals are measured at each thermal cycle, allowing quantification to take place by comparison to a standard curve.
When the first LightCycler® instrument was introduced in 1997, it utilised SYBR Green and dual hybridisation probe technology (HybProbes) for straight-forward DNA quantification and genotyping without multiplex requirements.2 It offered rapid thermal cycling and real-time fluorescence detection, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of gene expression experiments when compared with other technologies available at the time.
The LightCycler® 2.0 and LightCycler® 480 models each offered advancements on the original version. The LightCycler® 2.0 provided greater sensitivity through higher sample volumes and longer cycling time, while the LightCycler® 480 offered new features such as high resolution melting (HRM) and increased sample throughput.4
Now, the LightCycler® has become a fixture in labs across the world. Roche continues to innovate, creating solutions today that the research community needs tomorrow. The new LightCycler® PRO maintains the performance, reliability and reproducibility of the original but offers further benefits, including enhanced software usability.4
Accurate PCR experiments rely on cross-plate temperature and fluorescence excitation uniformity. Poor uniformity can lead to uneven levels of amplification and detection across samples and result in inaccurate data.
The LightCycler® PRO System circumvents this challenge through its patented vapor chamber mount technology. Unlike other models – which utlise solid aluminum blocks – the LightCycler® PRO System heats its sample plates using a vapor compartment. This eliminates the temperature variability that would usually occur as blocks heat and cool.
Temperature uniformity can also support researchers in the development and execution of sensitive assays. Precise temperature control minimises the risk of non-specific amplification and ensures consistency across gene-of-interest and standard curve samples. This supports data that are not only consistent but also scientifically valid, giving researchers greater confidence in their results.
The LightCycler® PRO System is designed with experimental flexibility in mind, making it an ideal choice for dynamic molecular research environments. The system's new Thermal Cycler, featuring interchangeable 96- or 384-well plate blocks, offers variable throughput options and enables labs to scale up or down according to their workflow needs.
Its new 7-channel multiplexing capabilities can also increase research throughput via the simultaneous detection of more targets. This not only boosts experimental efficiency through time and resource savings, but it also provides greater flexibility for more complex experimental designs.4 The excitation and emission filters of the LightCycler® PRO System come unpaired, allowing researchers to pair them as needed based on the fluorophores they plan to use. This not only supports experimental flexibility today, but also ensures the instrument is prepared for new applications and dyes that may exist in the future.4
Beyond hardware improvements, the LightCycler® PRO System features a powerful software update for swift and easy analysis. New, adaptive algorithms expand upon previous models’ capabilities through improved colour compensation, preventing mixed signal interference from crosstalk or contamination.4 In fact, the LightCycler® PRO System can automatically perform independent compensation actions – meaning users don’t need to waste time preparing a separate run.4
Moreover, the latest LightCycler® software updates can increase the accuracy of analysis through improved data normalisation and quantitation features, accelerating research and potentially shortening the time it takes to achieve publication.4
One of the standout features of the LightCycler® PRO System is its updated user interface. Even more intuitive and user-friendly than its predecessor, this latest version requires minimal training for seamless operation. Its 40-centimetre glove-compatible touchscreen, remote connectivity options and lab information system (LIS) integration, means the PRO offers flexibility in addition to convenience and compliance.
Roche’s commitment to quality and innovation means that the LightCycler® PRO System is backed by extensive support and expertise. Technical assistance, training and experimental guidance can all be accessed through Roche Diagnostics experts, who are on hand to ensure the success of your research workflow.
The LightCycler® PRO System is more than just an upgrade on existing LightCycler® models – it's an investment in the future of molecular research. By offering temperature uniformity, advanced software algorithms, and an updated interface designed for ease of use, the PRO is poised to become the new gold-standard technology in any advanced molecular lab. When combined with Roche Diagnostic support and other molecular solutions, it forms part of a powerful, integrated workflow that ensures the highest standard of research.
If you're looking to elevate your clinical research, the LightCycler® PRO System is the logical next step in the evolution of your laboratory.
