Molecular Marker Services

As a preclinical CRO specializing in oncology, Alfa Cytology provides comprehensive molecular marker services encompassing a broad range of DNA-based marker technologies, including RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSR, ISSR, and others. By directly detecting genetic variations at the DNA level, our services support tumor marker screening, germplasm resource identification, genetic diversity analysis, and drug target discovery, accelerating your oncology research and development programs.

Introduction to Molecular Marker

Molecular markers are a type of genetic marker that directly detect genetic variations at the DNA level. Compared with traditional morphological, cytological, and biochemical markers, DNA-based molecular markers offer distinct advantages:

• Stable and Reliable: Manifested at the DNA level, they are free from tissue-specific, developmental-stage-specific, or environmental influences, and are independent of gene expression status.
• Abundant in Number: Distributed throughout the entire genome, with an almost unlimited number of detectable loci.
• Highly Polymorphic: Abundant allelic variations exist in nature, eliminating the need for creating specialized genetic materials.
• Neutral Phenotype: They do not affect the expression of target traits and are not necessarily linked to undesirable traits.
• Co-dominant Inheritance: Many markers enable the discrimination between homozygotes and heterozygotes.

Fig. 1 Molecular markers for the immunotherapy efficacy. (Zhu J, et al.; 2025)

Our Services

Alfa Cytology provides comprehensive molecular marker analysis services. Leveraging established molecular biology technology platforms and an experienced scientific team, we offer end-to-end solutions from DNA extraction and marker detection to data interpretation, delivering solid technical support for your oncology genetics research.

Available Molecular Marker Technologies

At Alfa Cytology, we offer a diverse range of mature DNA molecular marker technology platforms that directly detect genetic variations at the DNA level, supporting tumor marker screening, germplasm resource identification, genetic diversity analysis, and drug target discovery.

Hybridization-Based Markers

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

Genomic DNA is digested with restriction endonucleases, and polymorphisms in fragment lengths are detected via probe hybridization. This co-dominant marker technology delivers stable and reliable results, making it suitable for genotyping and genetic linkage analysis.

PCR-Based DNA Fingerprint Markers

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Genomic DNA is amplified using random primers, and polymorphisms are detected via gel electrophoresis. This technique offers simple operation, no requirement for prior sequence information, and low DNA input, making it suitable for genetic diversity analysis and DNA fingerprinting.

Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR)

Also known as microsatellite markers, this technique targets tandemly repeated short sequences and detects polymorphisms in repeat numbers via PCR amplification with flanking specific primers. With high polymorphism, co-dominant inheritance, and stable results, it is suitable for molecular typing and genetic linkage analysis.

Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR)

Using primers designed from microsatellite core sequences, this technique amplifies regions between SSR loci. It combines the simplicity of RAPD with the high polymorphism of SSR, making it suitable for germplasm resource identification and genetic relationship analysis.

PCR and Restriction Enzyme Combination Markers

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP)

Genomic DNA is digested with two restriction enzymes, ligated to artificial adaptors, and polymorphisms are detected via selective amplification. This technique combines the stability of RFLP with the efficiency of PCR, delivering rich polymorphisms and stable results for genome-wide polymorphism screening and marker development.

Next-Generation High-Throughput Markers

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

This technology detects single nucleotide differences between alleles at the same locus. With high throughput and automation potential, it is suitable for precision genotyping and drug target screening.

Molecular Marker Analysis Services

Based on the technology platforms described above, we offer the following standardized molecular marker analysis service modules. You may flexibly select according to your research needs: 

Applications of Molecular Marker Services

Workflow of Molecular Marker Services

Consultation and Project Planning

Our scientific team communicates with you to understand your research objectives and design an appropriate molecular marker strategy.

DNA Extraction and Quality Control

DNA is extracted from samples, and concentration, purity, and integrity are assessed.

Marker Detection and Data Generation

Based on the selected approach, marker detection experiments are performed, including PCR amplification, enzyme digestion, electrophoresis, or sequencing analysis.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Polymorphism analysis, clustering analysis, and genetic relationship inference are performed, followed by a professional data interpretation report.

Results Delivery and Discussion

A comprehensive report is delivered, followed by one-on-one results discussion with our scientific team to ensure full understanding of the data implications.

Alfa Cytology stands as your trusted partner in oncology molecular marker research. We offer a full spectrum of services encompassing RFLP, RAPD, SSR, ISSR, AFLP, and SNP marker technologies, from DNA extraction and marker detection to data interpretation and biological analysis, providing end-to-end technical support for your oncology genetics research, model characterization, and target discovery. Please don't hesitate to contact us to receive your customized molecular marker analysis solution.

For research use only.