With the current data of up to 100 GB per run, The SOLiD System substantially reduces the overall sequencing costs for PET libraries. The chemistry allows a 2-base encoding, which provides more accuracy, especially for variation studies. As part of the collaboration, GIS will add two SOLiD systems to its current fleet, bringing GIS’ total number of SOLiD systems to six.
“We are very proud to be working with The Genome Institute of Singapore, a renowned institution in cell and medical biology,” said Ben Hwang, head of the Asia Pacific region for Life Technologies. “We expect that the protocols developed in this collaboration will contribute to the advancement of research in cancer and other human diseases. GIS’ use of SOLiD clearly demonstrates the importance of this technology to the future of genome sequencing.”
Dr Ruan Yijun, Associate Director for GIS’ genome technology development, Senior Group Leader, and one of the founding members of the PGS program said “We are extremely excited about this collaboration. With increasing bead density, SOLiD is a great technology for paired-end-Tag sequencing. Leveraging on GIS’ paired-end-Tag technology and LIFE’s SOLiD technology, this will bring about significant advancements in the area of translational research. All this will be very important for early detection, prevention, and treatment of diseases.”
Together, researchers from the PGS Flagship Programme of the GIS, and Life Technologies will collaborate to develop protocols to broaden the applicability of The SOLiD System in translational research. New protocols from this collaboration will be available to SOLiD users in the summer of 2011.
GIS pioneered the development of paired-end-Tags for sequencing DNA, which increases genetic sequencings applicability to translational research. While the sequencing of the human genome was a major scientific achievement, it was just the first step toward the ultimate goal of using genomic information to diagnose, treat and prevent disease. Currently, PGS Flagship Programme, an incubation unit within GIS, provides consultative and integrated sequencing services using PET to enhance the analysis of transcription regulation and genome structural variation. GIS’ focus is on cancer biomarkers for prognosis and disease monitoring, as well as in the diagnosis of genetic disorders.
The SOLiD System is used globally in experiments to better understand the genetic nature of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders and other diseases. Its throughput, accuracy, speed and flexibility allow researchers to generate the data they need for their experiments.
About Life Technologies (www.lifetechnologies.com)
Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) 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 had sales of $3.3 billion in 2009, employs approximately 9,000 people, has a presence in approximately 160 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of approximately 3,900 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc., and manufactures both in-vitro diagnostic products and research use only-labeled products. For more information on how we are making a difference, please visit our website: http://www.lifetechnologies.com.
About the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) (www.gis.a-star.edu.sg)
The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It has a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health and public prosperity. Established in 2001 as a centre for genomic discovery, the GIS will pursue the integration of technology, genetics and biology towards the goal of individualized medicine. The key research areas at the GIS include Systems Biology, Stem Cell & Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology & Pharmacology, Human Genetics, Infectious Diseases, Genomic Technologies, and Computational & Mathematical Biology. The genomics infrastructure at the GIS is utilized to train new scientific talent, to function as a bridge for academic and industrial research, and to explore scientific questions of high impact.
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) (www.a-star.edu.sg) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and seven consortia & centres, which are located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their immediate vicinity.
A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.
Life Technologies 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.
Life Technologies Contact
Patty Zamora 760-476-7818 patty.zamora@lifetech.com
Genome Institute of Singapore Contact
Winnie Serah Lim +65-6808-8013 limcp2@gis.a-star.edu.sg
Tan Yen Lee +65-6808-8238
