We are excited to share an insightful interview conducted by our colleagues in Japan with Dr. Sakamoto from the RNA Engineering Laboratory at Chiba Institute of Technology. In this conversation, Dr. Sakamoto explores the growing significance of RNA molecules, not only in understanding life phenomena but also in their potential as pharmaceuticals and functional materials. You’ll hear firsthand about the cutting-edge work in designing functional RNAs for medicine and environmental science, along with Dr. Sakamoto’s personal experience using the FastGene® FAS-X system.
With over 3,000 Blue/Green LED instruments delivered globally, the impact of this technology is undeniable. Dr. Sakamoto, one of the early adopters of our newest gel documentation system, the FastGene® FAS-X, shares his experience with this innovative system and how it’s making a difference in their lab.
The RNA Engineering Laboratory focuses on the development of new nucleic acid drugs and materials based on the steric structure of RNA and artificial nucleic acids. The team’s research on RNA-targeting nucleic acid drugs has been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly as the lab pioneers advanced techniques for analyzing next-generation nucleic acid drugs.
Dr. Sakamoto explains, “We’re exploring new ways to apply RNA, not just in pharmaceuticals but as functional materials, to address challenges in environmental science and medicine.”
Previously, Dr. Sakamoto’s lab used the FAS-III gel imaging system. However, as their research advanced, they sought a system capable of producing clearer images of gel bands, which led them to consider upgrading to the FastGene® FAS-X.
“We wanted a system that could deliver sharper, more detailed images,” Dr. Sakamoto shares. After comparing the FAS-X with other systems, the laboratory was impressed by its functionality. “One feature we love is the ability to switch between rotating and moving images directly on the touchscreen. It saves time and effort since we no longer have to manually adjust the gel position.”
FAS-X software: effortless imaging with an intuitive interface designed for easy operation.
For Dr. Sakamoto, the deciding factor in choosing the FAS-X was its image clarity. “The gel bands were photographed beautifully, much clearer than our previous system. The fact that it doesn’t use UV light is also a plus for safety.”
Since installing the FAS-X, it has become an integral part of the RNA Engineering Laboratory’s daily routine. The system is used frequently for experiments involving nucleic acid and protein electrophoresis, as well as nucleic acid-protein interaction analysis. With about 30 students working in the lab, the FAS-X is in use almost every day.
Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many of them comment on how cool it looks and how easy it is to adjust the gel without removing it from the device,” Dr. Sakamoto says.
He also highlights the convenience of the touch screen, which allows users to adjust the gel position without needing to open the system. “With our previous equipment, we sometimes couldn’t capture the gel bands clearly in photographs, even if we could see them with the naked eye. That’s no longer an issue with the FAS-X,” he explains. The ability to register multiple accounts also allows the team to manage images for each researcher efficiently.
Dr. Sakamoto highly recommends the FAS-X to laboratories that perform Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA). “The auto-focus feature makes it easy to take high-quality images, which are often ready for publication as figures,” he notes. He also emphasizes its usefulness for labs working with minute samples that are difficult to photograph clearly. “The images are sharp, and the gel doesn’t need to be repositioned, reducing the risk of damaging the samples.”
While the FAS-X has significantly improved their workflow, Dr. Sakamoto suggests a few potential improvements. “It can be tricky to operate the touch panel with gloves on, so making it more responsive would be helpful. I’d also like to see faster adjustments to the gain and exposure settings. In the future, a smaller camera would make the system even more versatile.”
FAS-X offers stress-free imaging with easy-to-use, intuitive software.
The FastGene® FAS-X system has proven to be an invaluable tool for the RNA Engineering Laboratory. As Dr. Sakamoto and his team continue their pioneering work in RNA science, the FAS-X is helping them capture the precise data they need to drive forward their research and discoveries.
Your NIPPON Genetics EUROPE team,