Abstract 335: BD®OMICS-Guard Sample Preservation Buffer preserves mRNA and cell surface epitopes for single-cell sequencing applications
Authors: Shi Samuel X. , Sakofsky Cynthia , Zhang Zhiqi , Vadrevu Samatha , Shi Xiaoshan , Song Hye-Won , Ayer Aruna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Multiomics has emerged as a powerful tool to derive insights on the transcriptomic and proteomic data of human cancer samples and preclinical models of blood and tumor malignancies. Due to the sensitivity of sequencing techniques, sample quality and stability can potentially interfere with results. BD® OMICS-Guard Sample Preservation Buffer (SPB), a novel preservation solution, allows cells and bulk tissues to be stored for up to 72h at 4 °C, while reliably capturing the true biology of cells. This reagent gently preserves mRNA and protein integrity without the traditional cross-linking and harsh fixatives, increasing flexibility and expanding options for study designs. Here, we showcase the preservation properties ofthis reagent for multiomic readouts in human cells and mouse tissue across three different timepoints.BD® OMICS-Guard SPB’s preservation of mRNA from human PBMC and bulk mouse spleen tissues wasevidenced by WTA for differentially expressed genes in samples preserved for 24, 48 and 72h comparedto fresh/unpreserved controls. Protein epitope preservation was demonstrated via CITE-Seq assay withthe BD® AbSeq Human Immune Discovery Panel (human PBMC) or a 30-plex panel of anti-mouse BD®AbSeq Antibody-Conjugated Oligonucleotides (mouse splenocytes) and confirmed with multicolor flowcytometry. For both sample types, high correlation R2 values (&gt;0.87) were calculated for the preservation time points versus fresh controls. Concomitant flow cytometry analysis of major cell types and surface protein expression was consistent with sequencing data for all samples. Specificity and sensitivity of major cell type markers and cell surface proteins across cell types and time is visualized in the BD®AbSeq Antibody-generated heatmap for each sample. Additionally, BD® OMICS-Guard SPB maintains mRNA integrity in targeted gene assays and VDJ full-length assays, suggesting robust preservation of select transcripts readily interrogated in single-cell profiling. Batch effect across time and technical replicates for both sample types was limited with the BD Rhapsody™ HT Xpress System and delineated by donor/sample specific tSNEs across time. We demonstrate that the BD® OMICS-Guard Sample Preservation Buffer effectively preserves both mRNA and surface proteins for single-cell experiments. BD® OMICS-Guard SPB allows the convenient preservation of samples such as tumor biopsies to be collected and stored for up to 72h at 4 °C while maintaining mRNA and protein integrity, allowing the flexibility for precious samples to be potentially shipped to a central sequencing site to ensure standardized sequencing workflows. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.BD and BD Rhapsody are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company or its affiliates. © 2023 BD. All rights reserved.
Citation Format: Samuel X. Shi, Cynthia Sakofsky, Zhiqi Zhang, Samatha Vadrevu, Xiaoshan Shi, Hye-Won Song, Aruna Ayer. BD®OMICS-Guard Sample Preservation Buffer preserves mRNA and cell surface epitopes for single-cell sequencing applications [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 335.