SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

OGT Expands Commitment to Improved Cancer Profiling with CCMC Agreement

Oxford Gene Technology Ltd
26 Feb 2013
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Product news

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, announced today that it has signed a licence agreement with the Cancer Cytogenomics Microarray Consortium (CCMC) to design a whole genome, cancer-specific microarray.

The array will incorporate probes for over 500 cancer genes and 130 cancer-associated genomic regions from the CCMC’s design for haematological and solid tumours. The aim is to improve cancer research through the accurate identification of DNA copy number changes, and loss of heterozygosity associated with different cancer types.

The CCMC promotes communication and collaboration among cancer cytogenomics laboratories to foster new cancer genomic discoveries. It follows the same successful model of standardised array design and usage introduced by the International Collaboration for Clinical Genomics (ICCG)* to improve the quality of clinical research using new molecular cytogenetic technologies.

The licence agreement is founded on OGT’s recent success in the development and commercialisation of the CytoSure™ Haematological Cancer +SNP Array targeting the four common haematological cancers: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Myelodysplastic Syndrome and is a further extension of the company’s work in cancer research.

As lead partner in a £1.16 million grant from the UK government-backed Technology Strategy Board, OGT is also developing a next generation sequencing tumour profiling assay, which will provide specific information about individual cancer samples to facilitate research into personalised treatment strategies. In addition, OGT has a rich portfolio of biomarkers for early stage cancer detection with advanced programmes in colorectal and prostate cancer.

Dr. Mike Evans, CEO at OGT said: “The CCMC licence agreement is an endorsement of both OGT’s expertise in gene-focused arrays and our commitment to developing accurate solutions for early cancer detection and accurate disease characterisation. We are proud to be able to contribute to the good work undertaken by the CCMC to further cancer research through increasing access to more comprehensive, accurately interpreted molecular information.”

Dr. Marilyn Li, former president of the CCMC said, “We are pleased to work with companies that share our belief in standardised, high-quality microarrays and our commitment to ensuring that colleagues can access and share vital data.”

Dr. M Anwar Iqbal, President of the CCMC added, “The use of microarray technology will substantially improve the facility of cytogenetics research laboratories to identify cancer. The CCMC board appreciates the efforts of companies such as OGT to making the CCMC cancer array design available to the cytogenetics research community worldwide.”

Links

Oxford Gene Technology LtdCompany website

Tags

Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.OligonucleotidesOligonucleotides are small nucleic acid polymers, usually less than 20 bases in length. Oligonucleotides can be made via enzymatic cleavage or more commonly by chemical synthesis with polymerases. Their use includes FISH, southern blots, microarrays and as primers in PCR. High fidelity synthesis kits and detection systems are available for easy production and detection, respectively.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.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.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.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.Bioprocessing / FermentationBioprocessing is the use of biological materials to perform commercial, scientific or medical research processes. Biological materials used include cells, enzymes and organisms. Usually bioprocessing requires a batch or continuous bioreactor such as a fermentor or cell culture system. The advantages of using a reactor include high productivity, easy configuration, adjustable values and automation.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.CytogeneticsSNP Genotyping

Related articles

OGT Expands Commitment to Improved Cancer Profiling with CCMC Agreement