Olink Proteomics Analysis Services

Principle of Olink Proteomics

Olink protein detection is based on the Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology for targeted protein quantification. During the assay, a pair of antibody probes labeled with DNA oligonucleotide tags bind to different epitopes of the target protein. When both antibody probes simultaneously bind to the target protein, the DNA tags are brought into close proximity and undergo a ligation reaction to form an amplifiable DNA template.

 

The generated DNA template is subsequently amplified by PCR and quantified through fluorescence detection. The resulting DNA signal is converted into relative protein expression levels.

Wik, L. et al. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 2021.

Figure 1. Schematic Overview of Olink Explore

By combining the high specificity of antibody-based recognition with the sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification, PEA technology enables multiplex protein detection and is suitable for targeted protein analysis in complex biological samples.

When This Service Is a Good Fit

1. Projects Requiring Targeted Protein Measurement

Suitable for studies with predefined protein targets that aim to compare protein expression changes between different experimental groups.

 

2. Large-Scale Cohort Studies

Suitable for population cohorts, clinical research samples, or animal models requiring high-throughput protein measurement and standardized comparison across multiple samples.

 

3. Limited or Precious Sample Analysis

Suitable for studies involving limited sample availability or difficult-to-obtain samples, enabling multiplex protein detection with low sample consumption.

 

4. Biomarker Discovery and Validation Studies

Suitable for identifying disease-associated proteins, validating candidate biomarkers, and analyzing protein expression patterns.

Service Overview

MtoZ Biolabs provides flexible targeted protein analysis solutions based on different Olink detection platforms.

Olink Platform	Applications
Olink Explore	Large-scale protein profiling, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic studies
Olink Target	Predefined protein panel analysis focusing on specific biological processes or disease areas
Olink Flex	Customized protein detection solutions based on specific research requirements

MtoZ Biolabs can assist with selecting appropriate protein panels based on research objectives, sample types, target protein requirements, and data analysis needs, while providing comprehensive downstream data analysis services.

Analysis Workflow

1. Sample Evaluation and Experimental Design

Before project initiation, samples are evaluated based on sample type, species information, sample quality, and research objectives. Appropriate Olink panels are selected according to study requirements.

 

2. Olink Protein Detection

Target proteins are detected using PEA technology. Antibody probe binding and DNA signal amplification generate protein detection signals for analysis.

 

3. Data Processing and Protein Quantification

Detection data undergo quality control, normalization, and protein expression analysis to determine relative protein abundance changes between experimental groups.

 

4. Bioinformatics Analysis and Data Delivery

According to research requirements, downstream analyses including differential protein analysis, functional annotation, and pathway enrichment analysis are performed to help interpret biological processes associated with protein changes.

 

Service Advantages

1. High-Sensitivity Targeted Protein Detection

PEA technology combines antibody recognition with DNA signal amplification to improve the detection of low-abundance proteins, making it suitable for targeted protein analysis in complex biological samples.

 

2. High-Throughput Multiplex Protein Analysis

The Olink platform enables simultaneous detection of multiple protein targets, supporting large-scale cohort studies and multi-marker analysis with improved research efficiency.

 

3. Low Sample Consumption

Olink analysis is suitable for precious samples and low-volume biological fluids, enabling multiplex protein measurement with limited sample input.

 

4. Flexible Protein Panel Selection

Researchers can select disease-related panels, functional panels, or exploratory protein profiling solutions according to different research stages and objectives.

 

Applications

1. Disease Research and Biomarker Discovery

Identify disease-associated proteins and potential biomarkers by comparing protein expression patterns across different conditions.

 

2. Drug Development and Response Studies

Analyze protein changes following treatment to investigate mechanisms of action and identify response-related protein markers.

 

3. Immunology and Oncology Research

Profile immune-related proteins to study immune regulation, tumor microenvironment, and disease progression.

 

4. Cohort and Multi-Omics Studies

Support large-scale protein profiling and integration with genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other omics data.

Sample Submission Requirements

Requirement	Description
Accepted Sample Types	Serum and plasma samples, including EDTA plasma, citrate plasma, and heparin plasma. Supported species include human and mouse only. Other species are not supported.
Sample Amount Requirements	Recommended protein concentration: 0.5–1 mg/mL. Recommended sample volume: 100–500 μL per sample. Minimum submission volume: 100 μL per sample.
Storage and Shipping Requirements	Samples should be rapidly frozen (preferably using liquid nitrogen) and shipped on dry ice. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Protein solutions should avoid high salt concentrations and detergent contamination that may affect detection performance.
Samples Not Suitable for Analysis	Samples with severe hemolysis are not recommended. Samples from unsupported species or with unclear species information cannot be accepted.

Other sample types, including tissue lysates, cell culture media, platelet extracts, saliva, biopsy samples, microdialysis fluid, synovial fluid, and urine, can be evaluated based on sample characteristics, research objectives, and selected Olink panels.

Deliverables

Depending on project requirements, MtoZ Biolabs provides:

1. Olink Detection Quality Control (QC) Reports

2. Protein Detection Results

3. Relative Protein Quantification Results

4. Differential Protein Analysis Results

5. Functional Annotation and Pathway Analysis Results

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between Olink proteomics and mass spectrometry-based proteomics?

Olink uses an antibody- and DNA signal amplification-based targeted detection strategy, making it suitable for high-sensitivity measurement of predefined protein targets in large-scale studies. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analyzes protein-derived peptide signals and enables broader protein discovery and non-targeted proteomic profiling.

 

Q2: Can Olink detect proteins that are not included in the selected panel?

No. Olink can only detect predefined protein targets included in the selected panel. For broader protein profiling or discovery of unknown proteins, LC-MS/MS-based proteomics can be considered.

 

Q3: What is the difference between Olink Explore and Olink Target?

Olink Explore is designed for large-scale protein profiling, biomarker discovery, and exploratory studies. Olink Target focuses on predefined protein panels related to specific disease areas or biological functions.

 

Start Your Olink Proteomics Research

If you need assistance evaluating Olink detection strategies, selecting appropriate protein panels, or confirming sample suitability for targeted protein analysis, MtoZ Biolabs provides professional Olink proteomics analysis services tailored to your sample types, research objectives, and experimental designs.