CLEAR Technology

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) develop a novel imaging platform called Cleavable Light-Erased Antibody Reporter (CLEAR). The platform is in the news for enabling repeated cycles of protein labelling and imaging in the same biological sample using light-based signal erasure.

CLEAR Technology (Cleavable Light-Erased Antibody Reporter)

Dimension	Key Details
Technology type	CLEAR comprises a novel imaging platform for visualization and mapping of proteins within biological samples.
Developing institution	CLEAR has been established by researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).
Collaborating institution	The technology demonstration comprises collaboration with researchers from the Indian Institute of Science in complex biological settings, particularly immune cell systems.
Multiplexing within a sample	CLEAR provides for visualization of a large number of proteins within the same biological sample using a single fluorescent marker.
Core mechanism	CLEAR comprises a light-cleavable probe system that provides for repeated cycles of protein labelling and imaging within the same spectral window.
Signal erasure specification	The probe system provides for erasing the fluorescent signal using a gentle pulse of 365 nm LED light.
Operational cycle	The workflow provides for labelling and imaging a set of proteins, erasing the signal, and labelling and imaging a new set of proteins in the same cell.
Scale of specimens	The technology applies to specimens ranging from single cells to complex tissue sections.
Sample compatibility	CLEAR applies to delicate biological samples, including live cells.
Claimed comparative features	Unlike existing multiplex imaging methods, CLEAR comprises high multiplexing capability, speed, spatial resolution, and compatibility with delicate biological samples.
Stated applications	The technology provides for improved early disease detection, particularly in cancers and neurological disorders; it also provides for better understanding of immune responses and cellular behaviour.
Precision medicine linkage	In the long term, the platform provides for detailed molecular analysis that can support targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches.