The BIH Core Unit Proteomics has been conducting Olink targeted proteomics analyses since 2022, measuring cohorts ranging from single plates to large-scale studies such as BELOVE and NAKO.

The Olink Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology is based on an immuno-qPCR detection method. The dual antibody recognition combined with the DNA-coupled approach offers exceptional specificity and sensitivity in protein analysis. It covers a dynamic range that is physiologically relevant and can span over 10 log units. Moreover, it allows the simultaneous measurement of a wide array of proteins using minimal sample volumes (1 µL nominal volume per panel). Built-in spike-in controls, as well as external controls, are used in standardized quality control procedures.

Olink PEA technology uses antibodies labeled with DNA oligonucleotides to quantify proteins. The antibody pairs, labelled with DNA oligonucleotides, bind to their respective protein in the samples. Oligonucleotides of pairs that are brought into proximity hybridize, and are extended using a DNA polymerase. No signal will be generated if nonspecific binding occurs since the oligonucleotides will not hybridize. This newly created piece of DNA barcode identifies the protein and is then amplified by PCR. The amount of each DNA barcode is quantified by microfluidic qPCR. QC & raw data analysis follow resulting in a data table.
Olink PEA technology uses antibodies labeled with DNA oligonucleotides to quantify proteins. The antibody pairs bind to their respective protein in the samples. Oligonucleotides of pairs that are brought into proximity hybridize, and are extended using a DNA polymerase. No signal will be generated if nonspecific binding occurs since the oligonucleotides will not hybridize. This newly created piece of DNA barcode identifies the protein and is then amplified by PCR. The amount of each DNA barcode is quantified by microfluidic qPCR. (created with BioRender.com) © MDC | Matthias Ziehm & Philipp Mertins

The Olink assays are optimized for the analysis of serum and plasma but can be flexibly applied to a wide variety of other sample matrices including urine, cell culture supernatants, saliva, interstitial fluids, tissue and cell lysates. 

Olink based proteomics results have been widely recognized and used in various research fields for protein profiling and biomarker development for example the UK Biobank biopharma proteomics study.

Service portfolio
Olink Platform Quantification method # Panels Library size (# proteins) # Proteins per panel # Samples per Panel
Target 96 Relative 14 human (+mouse) 1100+ 92 88
Target 48 Absolute & relative 3 human (+mouse) 129 up to 45 40
Flex Absolute & relative mix-&-match ~200 5-30 40
Focus Absolute & relative Custom 5000+ up to 21 144 or 160
Reveal Relative 1 human 1000+ 1034 86

Specifications

  • Target 96

    For human applications, 14 Olink Target 96 panels are currently available, covering over 1,100 proteins. These panels are designed to focus either on specific diseases (e.g. cardiology, oncology, neurology) or on key biological processes such as inflammation, immune response, cell regulation, metabolism, development, and organ damage. Additionally, a panel for the measurement of 92 mouse proteins is available. These panels cannot be modified in protein selection or number of samples. For custom protein panels see Flex.

    https://olink.com/products/olink-target-96

  • Target 48

    The Olink Target 48 Cytokine, Immune Surveillance and Neurodegeneration panels are specifically designed to analyze up to 45 proteins that play a central role in inflammation, immune system regulation and neurodegeneration. The results are reported as absolute quantification in pg/ml, as well as optionally relative NPX quantifications. The neurodegeneration panel include markers of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, multiple scleroris and associated processes incl. pTau217, Aβ40, Aβ42, NfL, GFAP and test in both plasma and CSF. 

    The Olink® Target 48 Mouse Cytokine Panel is a validated tool for preclinical research, allowing the measurement of 43 proteins associated with inflammation, immune responses, and immuno-oncology. This method is ideal for longitudinal studies, as it enables repeated biomarker analyses on the same mouse, thereby reducing variability.

    These panels cannot be modified in protein selection or number of samples. For custom protein panels see Flex.

    https://olink.com/products/olink-target-48

    https://olink.com/products/olink-target-48/olink-target-48-neurodegeneration

    https://olink.com/products/olink-target-48-mouse

  • Flex

    Olink Flex enables the creation of customized made-to-order assay by combining 5-30 biomarkers in a single panel without compromising data quality. Users can choose from a library of approximately 200 pre-validated protein biomarkers, offering high combinability and precise quantification. Researchers can design their own panels or select from pre-curated templates. The Flex panel provides both absolute (pg/mL) and relative quantification (NPX) of proteins. Pricing is tiered by number of biomarkers and discounts apply when ordering  more than one plate of the same custom design.

    https://olink.com/products/olink-flex

  • Focus

    Olink Focus is a flexible, customized assay designed for the validation and implementation of protein biomarkers. Users can select up to 21 proteins from a library of over 5,000 human proteins and analyze 144 or 160 samples simultaneously in a single assay. Results are provided in absolute quantification (pg/mL) or relative quantification (NPX). The minimum order includes a panel for the analysis of up to 21 proteins in 1,000 samples. Experts provide support in designing the panel, which is developed within less than six months. Olink Focus facilitates the transition from biomarker discovery to clinical application through well-defined protein signatures and efficient data collection.

    https://olink.com/products/olink-focus

  • Reveal

    Olink Reveal is the most recent and accessible NGS based Olink product covering 1034 proteins in one analysis. This service is offered in conjunction with the Core Unit Genomics. Reveal covers in particular proteins of inflammation and immune response, while proteins of the Target 96 panels cardiovascular, cardiometabolic and development are largely not covered. This service cannot be modified in protein selection or number of samples. For custom protein panels see Flex.

    https://olink.com/products/olink-reveal 

  • Scientific data analyses in collaborative projects

    In collaborative projects our experts will use diverse statistical tools and data analyses to determine significant differences between groups, correlations with numeric characteristics, clustering, enrichments.

  • Data management and Storage

    All raw data are stored for at least 10 years on secure file servers of the BIH and/or MDC.

We are happy to discuss individual needs and look forward to working with you and supporting your proteomics research! Please see our getting started with proteomics section.

Our Equipment

  • Fluidigm Biomark HD Reader with IFC controller HX (96.96)

  • Olink Signature Q100

  • BioRad T100 Thermal Cycler

GETTING STARTED WITH PROTEOMICS | MASS SPECTROMETRY SERVICES | OLINK SERVICES | TEAM