CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A team of researchers from the Mayo Clinic today announced preliminary data that demonstrates the advantages of sequencing-based approaches for associating structural variants with RNA expression profiles to identify potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer. The data is the result of an ongoing scientific collaboration formed in 2008 between the Mayo Clinic and Applied Biosystems, a division of Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE - News).
Large-scale genomic rearrangements, or structural variations, are a hallmark of most cancers because they contribute to genetic instability reportedly involved in carcinogenesis. It is widely believed that mutations in DNA sequence are transcribed to messenger RNA (mRNA) and ultimately translate into a functional protein. An emerging hypothesis suggests that mRNA may regulate processes such as alternative splicing and RNA editing and a variety of cellular functions.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic are using digital gene expression capabilities of the SOLiD™ System to associate genetic variation at the transcript level with structural variants. A key to understanding structural variation is the ability to visualize chromosomal rearrangements and other changes to large segments of DNA such as copy number variations, inversions, translocations, insertions, and deletions.
“This collaboration is enabling the discovery of genetic variation that may ultimately uncover clues that reveal the underlying mechanisms of cancer development,” said Kip Miller, President of Life Technologies’ Genetic Systems Division. “This project further demonstrates how the SOLiD System is an advanced genomic analysis platform that is paving the way for future advances in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a host of complex diseases.”
Traditionally, the most widely used method to analyze global patterns of RNA expression is the DNA microarray. However, microarray technology offers limited sensitivity, requires greater sample input and is unable to detect novel RNAs. Alternatively, a sequencing-based approach to RNA expression analysis allows researchers to detect low levels of expression invisible on microarray platforms, and perform a hypothesis-neutral analysis of gene expression profiles, enabling the detection of all known and novel RNAs present in biological samples, with no bias toward known RNA molecules as with probe-based array technologies.
Sequencing-based RNA expression analysis enabled the researchers to establish directionality of expressed transcripts which is significant because DNA is transcribed in two different directions. Establishing directionality of expressed transcripts allows researchers to more easily determine which RNA transcripts, are coding and non-coding. Non-coding RNAs play an increasingly important role in regulating biological processes involved in cancer differentiation and development.
The SOLiD System is widely used around the world in research laboratories, genome centers, core and contract service facilities, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Researchers are utilizing the SOLiD technology for a variety of advanced genomics research, including resequencing for disease studies, transcriptome analysis, de novo sequencing and methylation profiling. The newest release of the platform – the SOLiD 3 System – offers unparalleled throughput at 40 gigabases per sequencing run, the highest data accuracy at 99.94%, due to 2-base encoding algorithms, and integrated application workflows. The SOLiD 3 System will ultimately enable scientists to sequence a human genome for less than $10,000 dollars in 2009, with a roadmap that will increasingly drive capabilities toward the $1,000 genome milestone.
Applied Biosystems is a global leader in providing innovative instrument systems to accelerate academic and clinical research, drug discovery and development, pathogen detection and forensic DNA analysis. The technologies it markets include a robust line of DNA sequencing systems and chemistries to meet the increasing demands of the scientific community for higher-throughput, more sophisticated DNA sequencing solutions. Applied Biosystems, together, with Invitrogen – a leading provider of platform independent, essential life science technologies for disease and drug research, bioproduction and diagnostics – is part of Life Technologies Corporation, which markets the life science industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of solutions for molecular and cell biology. Applied Biosystems and Invitrogen products are used in nearly every major laboratory in the world.
For more information, please visit: www.appliedbiosystems.com and www.invitrogen.com.
About Life Technologies
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE - News) is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research, and 21st century forensics. Life Technologies has historical sales of approximately $3.5 billion, employs 9,500 people, has a presence in more than 100 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of over 3,600 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc. For more information on how we are making a difference please visit our website: www.lifetechnologies.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements about our anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies’ plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect” and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions (“will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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Copyright 2009. Life Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems and the SOLiD™ System are registered trademarks of Life Technologies or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or certain other countries.
Contact:
Life Technologies Lauren Lum, 650-638-6916 (Media) Technology Public Relations lauren.lum@appliedbiosystems.com Amanda Clardy, 760-476-7075 (Investors) Corporate and Financial Communications amanda.clardy@lifetech.com
Source: Life Technologies Corporation
