Wobble Genomics at the forefront of RNA Sequencing
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum took place on Tuesday 18th March 2025 led by Wobble Genomics, specialists in long-read RNA sequencing. This cutting-edge technique of next generation sequencing reads lengthy sequences of RNA molecules, which offers a more comprehensive view of genetic information in the detection of genetic variations, compared to traditional short-read.
Wobble Genomics researcher in the lab
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum guests met at Bush House on Pioneer Edinburgh Technopole to learn about the journey and recent research advances of Wobble Genomics from Dr Yuanyuan Cheng, Head of Research and Development.
Wobble Genomics is a spin-out from the Roslin Institute, founded in 2021 by Dr Richard Kuo, a pioneer in the field of long-read RNA. The company has made significant strides in early cancer detection, especially in breast cancer and emerged from stealth mode in late 2024, showcasing exciting results at major cancer conferences to mark its next phase of development.
Dr Cheng talked about the company’s novel diagnostic platform to analyse full-length RNA transcripts from whole blood samples, to enable the identification of rare RNA variants associated with cancer and provide more accurate information on the status of disease in cancer patients.
By leveraging long-read RNA sequencing, Wobble Genomics is enhancing our ability to detect and understand cancers at their earliest stages, paving the way for more effective interventions and better patient outcomes.
Dr Cheng explained that short-read sequencing cannot identify protein variants as quickly or accurately as long-reads, which can identify the full protein sequence needed to understand how it interacts with different drugs.
Processing samples through Wobble Genomics’ proprietary Level-Up technology has revealed a world of RNA that was previously hidden. Combining this with bioinformatic technology software, TAMA, optimises the identification of low-level signals, using RNA biology to guide understanding of the data.
The progression of RNA sequencing has been dramatic and with long read RNA sequencing it is now possible to identify different variations of proteins and understand how patients respond to therapies to improve personalised medicine. Coupled with new AI technologies that can predict how proteins fold, long read RNA sequencing is poised to unlock a whole new level of biology with major impact in biotechnology and medicine.
The goal for Wobble Genomics is to bridge the gap between diagnostics, therapy selection and drug development by working with better information to improve the health and well-being of people.
This presentation provoked further discussion between the group, those who were less science minded and the professionals, this also revealed some potential areas for collaboration and information sharing which is one of the main aims of our Business Forums.
Wobble Genomics is a tenant company at Roslin Innovation Centre and utilises lab and office space and have additional office space at Pioneer Edinburgh Technopole.
Our next Business Forum will take place on 6th May led by Midlothian Business Gateway, venue to be agreed. If you would like to be notified of future MSZ Business Forum Events or to present at one of our events, please contact Emma McCallum, Midlothian Science Zone Project Co-ordinator emma@midlothiansciencezone.com.