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Polyplus-transfection announces the development of "ZNA™", a new class of modified oligonucleotides

Polyplus Transfection
14 Sept 2008

Product news

Polyplus-transfection, a company specialized in the research, development and marketing of innovative reagents for transfection and RNA interference (RNAi), announces today that it has developed a new class of cationic oligonucleotides. These are called "ZNA™" and have a promising potential in molecular biology. Polyplus owns the intellectual property.

Polyplus has recently established proof of concept showing that ZNA™ used as detection probes improve PCR technology performance. In particular, ZNA™ increase the sensitivity of tests and the ability to detect mutations. As well as presenting a similar efficacy to the best modified oligonucleotides on the market, ZNA™ possess major advantages compared to competing products. They are easy to design and will cost less to produce.

ZNA™ offer an increased affinity for nucleic acids without losing selectivity and therefore will improve the performance of other molecular hybridisation techniques such as in situ hybridisation and microarrays. They could also be used for in vitro detection of micro-RNAs, a new class of intracellular effectors. This means that ZNA™ are likely to become powerful and reliable tools in research and diagnostics.

"Polyplus is extending its activities from transfection reagents to molecular biology tools for research and diagnostics," said Joëlle Bloch, CEO of Polyplus-transfection. "Our next step will be to market ZNA™ via a network of firms specialized in this field. We are also actively seeking partners to help us develop a range of applications for ZNA™."

Polyplus-transfection will present its first results in a talk entitled "ZNA™: New High-Affinity Synthetic Oligonucleotides as Powerful Tools for PCR" at the international Advances in qPCR conference taking place in Stockholm Sweden, September 17-18 2008.

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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.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.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.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.RNA InterferenceRNA interference (RNAi) uses siRNA or miRNA for transcriptional silencing, gene knockdown and regulation of gene expression. RNAi requires chemical synthesis, introduction of DNA vectors into cells, an assay of RNAi effects and RNAi quantification or analysis. Consider target sequence selection, reagent preparation, controls, high specificity and effectiveness and low non-specific gene knockdown.

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