Thanks to AWS, One BioSciences is revolutionising single-cell sequencing and waging war on cancer

"Our single cell approach uses algorithms based on sequence bioinformatics that we apply to large volumes of cells. This requires a great deal of power and special GPU resources."

Hugo Cornu, Lead Tech Data at One Biosciences.

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In the fast-moving biotech environment shaping the future of medical research, the emerging company, One BioSciences, has taken genetic sequencing to a new level. The company has developed a protocol able to analyse individual cells and the way in which they communicate with each other. It's a highly accurate process that could lead to new cancer treatments, but it also generates huge volumes of data. That's why One Biosciences has chosen to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) solutions to drive its research.

In the challenging field of biotechnology, One BioSciences stands out for its pioneering approach in single-cell sequencing, driven by innovative solutions from Amazon Web Services (AWS). This approach is based on a unique method for sequencing individual cells, which represents a significant leap forward compared to conventional methods. Rather than simply using one RNA profile per sample, the company has chosen to implement a cell-by-cell sequencing solution, generating tens of thousands of unique RNA profiles. This detailed approach offers a granular understanding of the genome, transcending the limitations of standard techniques.
 
The process starts with dissociating the sample cells, which are then encapsulated in individual drops of hydrogel, each containing one cell. Each cell is sequenced separately, enabling the analysis of a massive number of cells with unprecedented precision. This methodology reveals specific genetic profiles, providing essential information on genes associated with mechanisms of proliferation or resistance to treatment, and therefore on the development of the disease. According to Hedi Ben Brahim, CEO of One Biosciences, “the challenge is to turn these highly complex technologies into medicines as quickly as possible. Our growth is driven by the number of clinical projects (pathologies) we handle and the number of drugs under development. We start with samples and return to patients with new medicines. To do this, we have formed partnerships with a number of hospitals and research laboratories”.
 
Work at Cell Levels to Identify Propagation Mechanisms
 
One BioSciences's innovative approach lies in its ability to go beyond the mere averaging of data. Rather than treating cells as a homogeneous group, the company is using an individualised approach, examining each cell separately. This is key to understanding the genetic nuances within a tumour or diseased tissue, differentiating between cancerous cells, healthy cells and immune cells. In addition, the company has implemented a particularly innovative technology that allows it to work on frozen samples, where other players can only analyse “fresh” cells, enabling it to go faster and further than its main competitors.
 
Advanced genetic alignment algorithms, which are specifically adapted to the single cell level, are the backbone of this revolutionary methodology. These algorithms, usually limited to smaller-scale genetic analyses, are now being applied to huge volumes of cells, pushing back the limits of genomics research.
 

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The analysis process consists of reading small segments of RNA, which are then aligned with a reference human genome. Although complex, this operation is made possible by the unrivalled processing performance provided by AWS.

"We use very complex alignment algorithms," explains Hugo Cornu, Lead Tech & Data at One Biosciences. "Our single cell approach uses algorithms based on sequence bioinformatics that we apply to huge volumes of cells. This requires a great deal of power and special GPU resources."

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EC2 instances and storage services such as S3 provide the scalability needed to process huge datasets efficiently, while still maintaining the speed and accuracy that the business requires. Teams at One Biosciences also rely on services such as MWAA and Athena, which give them access to cutting-edge data engineering tools without the maintenance workload that a small team can't handle on its own.

However, the close collaboration with AWS is not limited to infrastructure. AWS's machine learning abilities play a key role in the ongoing improvement of the AI algorithms used by One BioSciences. These algorithms enable more precise identification of genes associated with cancer and facilitate understanding of cellular interactions at a microscopic level.

Leading the Way to New Treatments in the Near Future

One BioSciences's unique cellular approach extends beyond simple genetic characterisation. By analysing cell by cell, the company can decipher the mechanisms of intercellular communication within a tumour. This groundbreaking approach makes it possible to understand how cancer cells interact with their environment and how these interactions contribute to tumour progression. This methodology's impact will open the way to innovative new treatments and targeted interventions. The final objective is to be able to identify and interrupt these communication mechanisms in order to hinder tumour growth, thus opening up new and personalised perspectives for cancer treatment.

Thanks to the flexibility and availability of AWS services, One BioSciences can customise its solutions, integrating technologies such as AWS Lambda to automate repetitive processes and help optimise the resources used for research. This partnership between the two companies clearly illustrates how technological innovation, combined with cutting-edge research methodology, can revolutionise the fight against cancer. One BioSciences's cell-by-cell approach is breaking down the boundaries of conventional genomics, opening up new and promising perspectives for understanding and treating a wide range of diseases. This inspiring collaboration illustrates how technological resources can be harnessed to solve some of the most complex challenges of modern medicine, opening the way to a future where cancer can be fought with unprecedented precision. A time frame that is no longer measured in decades but in months, as Hedi Ben Brahim points out: “We are now fully launched, and we are working in parallel on four specific diseases. We're giving ourselves three to four years to come up with a drug suitable for clinical trials.”
 

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