Clontech Laboratories, Inc. Partners With Rubicon Genomics, Inc. to Increase Speed and Efficiency of Sample Preparation for RNA Sequencing

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Clontech Laboratories, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc., and Rubicon Genomics, Inc. announced today that they have partnered to integrate Clontech's SMART technology with Rubicon's ThruPLEX technology to increase the efficiency and quality of RNA sample preparation for a variety of next generation sequencing (NGS) applications. The launch of the SMARTer^® Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit, which combines ThruPLEX technology with Clontech's SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing, provides an unparalleled solution to generate libraries for transcriptome analysis from very low amounts of total RNA, including compromised or non-PolyA RNA samples.

There is a need for RNA seq methods that provide accurate transcript information when sample quantity is limiting for example, in studies on single cells or FFPE samples. Clontech's SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit is designed and validated to generate libraries from very low amounts of compromised RNA, for transcriptome analysis on Illumina^® NGS instruments. The SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit combines the sensitive and accurate gene coverage of SMART technology with ThruPLEX library prep technology, making it a powerful tool for RNA seq studies on small samples of compromised material, e.g. FFPE tissue.

Rubicon's ThruPLEX technology incorporates a streamlined one-tube, three-step process without intermediate purifications, transfers, columns or gels. The reduced steps and material transfers decrease the likelihood of experimental variability, bias and contamination. ThruPLEX technology is designed and validated for use with samples with very low inputs, between 50 picograms and 50 nanograms of input DNA, and is a perfect partner downstream of the SMARTer kits for RNA-seq. The technology is currently available for sequencing on Illumina HiSeq^®, MiSeq^® and Genome Analyzer instruments.

"Our SMART technology and Rubicon's ThruPLEX technology are highly complementary, and we believe that combining the two provides an ideal solution for RNA sequencing studies using low input RNA samples," said Carol Lou, General Manager of Clontech. "We are excited to announce the launch of the SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit today, and we will be launching additional combined products in the coming months."

"The launch of the SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit is an example of our strategy to partner with industry leaders to extend the reach of our proprietary technology," noted James Koziarz, CEO of Rubicon Genomics. "Combining ThruPLEX with Clontech's SMARTer sample preparation technologies for RNA sequencing enables researchers to achieve the highest quality results for transcriptome analysis."

Clontech plans to continue expanding the use of SMART technology for NGS, particularly in areas where low sample input is a constraint.

About Clontech Laboratories
Clontech Laboratories, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc., develops, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of life science research reagents under the Clontech^® and Takara brands. Key products include SMARTer cDNA synthesis kits for a variety of samples and applications, including NGS; high-performance qPCR and PCR reagents (including the Ex Taq^®, LA Taq^®, Titanium^®, and Advantage^® enzymes); RT enzymes; the innovative In-Fusion^® cloning system; Tet-based inducible gene expression systems; Living Colors^® fluorescent proteins and a range of Macherey-Nagel nucleic acid purification tools. These and other products support applications including NGS, gene discovery, regulation, and function; protein expression and purification; RNAi and stem cell studies; and plant and food research. For more information, visit www.clontech.com.

About Takara Bio Inc.
Takara Bio Inc. is an innovative biotechnology company based in Shiga, Japan. As a world leader in biotechnology research and development, Takara Bio was the first company to market PCR technology in Japan and is also the developer of the RetroNectin^® reagent, which is used as a world-standard in gene therapy protocols. In addition to providing research reagents and equipment to the life science research market, Takara Bio has active research and product development activities in the fields of gene and cell-based therapy, and agricultural biotechnology; and is committed to preventing disease and improving the quality of life for all people through the use of biotechnology. Through strategic alliances with other industry leaders, Takara Bio aims to extend its reach around the world. More information is available at www.takara-bio.com.

About Rubicon Genomics
Rubicon Genomics, Inc. is a leader in the development and commercialization of sample-specific pre-analytical processes to improve the performance and capabilities of DNA and RNA analytical platforms for research and clinical testing. The company's core competency is the creation of more efficient molecular biology tools for genetic, epigenetic and expression analysis of difficult clinical samples to facilitate gene-based research, drug development, diagnostics and forensics. Privately held Rubicon Genomics is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, visit www.rubicongenomics.com.

SOURCE Clontech Laboratories, Inc.