SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

DNASTAR Releases Lasergene 9 Major Software Upgrade

DNASTAR Inc.
25 Apr 2011
bridget bridget
Laboratory Director

Product news

DNASTAR® announced the release of Lasergene 9 today providing a major upgrade to its flagship desktop software suite for molecular biologists. The new release brings together all of DNASTAR’s separate software components into one integrated software package, including: (1) Lasergene Navigator, (2) Lasergene Core Suite, (3) SeqMan NGen, (4) ArrayStar, (5) QSeq, (6) GenVision, and (7) DNASTAR’s newest application, Protean 3D.

Lasergene 9 is the culmination of work in a wide variety of scientific domains over the past year and it represents a major step forward in sequence assembly and analysis software capabilities.

With Lasergene 9’s Navigator, DNASTAR adds a workflow environment that makes it easier than ever for users to identify and access all the applications needed for their work. Lasergene contains within it hundreds of software tools a molecular biologist might need. A few examples are virtual cloning, primer design, sequence assembly, pair-wise and multiple sequence alignments, gene finding, sequence editing, annotation, plasmid map creation, genome mapping, protein analysis, microarray alignment and analysis, and next generation sequence assembly and analysis. Navigator provides convenient ready access to all DNASTAR applications, with integrated help, wizards to set parameters of various workflows, and web access to DNASTAR’s customer support team, product videos and more.

SeqMan Pro with NGen offers superb performance and ease of use in sequence assembly. Bacterial genomes are routinely assembled in less than a minute and today’s deep templated next-gen human genome assemblies can be fully assembled in less than 24 hours on an ordinary desktop computer costing less than $2,500 from Dell, Apple and similar popular hardware vendors. SeqMan Pro now supports the BAM file format and includes statistically calculated SNPs and genotyping data from virtually any size templated assembly project for visualization on a desktop computer.

The new integration of Lasergene 9 also includes ArrayStar, DNASTAR’s microarray analysis software that can also be used with QSeq, the next generation sequencing technology for quantifying gene expression, chromatin protection and similar applications.

GenVision, DNASTAR’s data integration/presentation software has also been added as a component of Lasergene 9.

Protean 3D is the newest application addition to Lasergene 9. This new proteomics software is useful for exploring macromolecular structure, motion, and function. Its design is specifically focused on showing the motions and shape changes that proteins undergo as they carry out their work. A Motion Library is included with more than 300 proteins for which motion data is available for macromolecular conformational changes.

Dr. Fred Blattner, Founder, President and CEO of DNASTAR, commented, “With Lasergene 9, we have taken a major step in making Lasergene easier to use for the next generation of molecular biologists while introducing several major advances in the technology behind the interface. I’m very proud of the people who have worked hard over the past 27 years building this business as well as the people who have labored brilliantly and persistently on this release. Scientists will want to watch for our next release as well. There are quite a few additional capabilities being planned.”

Tom Schwei, Vice President and General Manager of DNASTAR, said, “Every year in our company history, DNASTAR software has been cited in peer reviewed publications more often than any other commercial sequence assembly or analysis software. That strong record shows the confidence that life scientists have in DNASTAR to develop and deliver useful, scientifically strong software to meet their experimental needs and solve their DNA and protein sequence and structure problems. By providing powerful tools within Lasergene 9, we are pleased to continue the vision we’ve sustained over our long history of providing easy to use sequence assembly and analysis software for all life scientists at an affordable cost on their desktop computers.”

Links

DNASTAR Inc.Company website

Tags

Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Gel Doc / Image AnalysisGel documentation (gel doc) or gel imaging systems are used for the analysis of proteins, antibodies and nucleic acid immobilized in polyacrylamide or agarose gels, membranes or microarrays. Explore a range of a gel imaging systems, densitometers, scanners, transilluminators or UV lamp + CCD cameras for your image analysis solutions. Colorimetric, fluorescent and/or radioisotopic samples can be visualized and documented for further analysis. See gel doc / Image analysis software for quantitative 1D and 2D analysis of your samples. Find the best gel doc / image analysis products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.Data MiningData mining is an important process for extracting information, patterns and trends from data. Data mining software, databases, reference materials and storage packages are available to process lab data.Microarray AnalysisMicroarrays, also known as biochips, are used for the detection and analysis of multiple genes, proteins, antibodies, or biomarkers on a single microchip. This can reveal information on protein or gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV), epigenetics and patient health in clinical diagnostic tests. Discover a range of microarray scanners and prefabricated antibody, protein, RNA and DNA microarrays for your analysis or consider creating your own custom microarrays with a microarray printer. Find the best microarray products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.

Related articles