SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

New Sequencing Kits from Roche Accelerate Further Cancer-/SNP Research and Population Genetics

9 Oct 2006

Product news

During the last few months, the Genome Sequencer 20™ system (GS 20) from Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics, has made existing sequencing applications faster and more accessible and has opened the gate to many new applications throughout life sciences research.

The next wave of advancement in cancer-/SNP research, population genetics, and microbial genome sequencing will now be driven by the launch of new kits and software for the GS 20. The Paired End Adaptor Set and two new emPCR kits enable sequencing of amplicons in both directions extend the flexibility of the GS 20 system considerably.

  • The Paired End Adaptor Set makes de novo sequencing of microbial genomes even more efficient. It facilitates the ordering of contigs into scaffolds and bridges gaps between contigs.
  • The Amplicon Sequencing emPCRkits II and III and the associated Amplicon Variant Analyzer software suite enables researchers to identify sequence variations (point mutations, insertions and deletions) in mixed samples to a previously unattainable sequence depth. This allows the rapid identification of somatic cancer mutations that were previously not detectable. Research on population genetics will be accelerated because genetic variations on the population level can now be elucidated at unprecedented speed and sensitivity. Applying the new amplicon sequencing approach, researchers recently found that the microbial diversity of the deep sea was one to two orders of magnitudes more complex than previously determined.

Since its launch, the GS20 has set new standards for speed, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The Genome Sequencer 20 system is based on 454 Sequencing™ technology, developed by the US company, 454 Life Sciences, and can perform sequencing runs up to 60 times faster than conventional commercially available platforms. Whole genome libraries can be prepared in only one single preparation step, without extensive robots for colony picking and handling of the microtiter plates. One single instrument can produce tens of millions of bases of sequence data within a few hours, thanks to parallel-processing, the latest imaging techniques and unique data analysis. The substantial reductions in both time and costs offer the prospect of new applications for sequencing in the fields of whole genome sequencing, transcriptome and gene regulation studies, and amplicon analysis.

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.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.MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.SNPs TechnologySingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are individual base variations in a DNA sequence. SNPs are used in research to study predispositions to disease and drug discovery. Products for studying single nucleotide polymorphisms include SNP arrays and detection systems to detect polymorphisms, SNP typing systems for genotyping DNA, and PCR to amplify specific SNPs.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.

Related articles

New Sequencing Kits from Roche Accelerate Further Cancer-/SNP Research and Population Genetics