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Roche Partners with DNA Electronics to Develop a Low-Cost, High-Throughput DNA Sequencing System

1 Nov 2010
Sarah Sarah
Marketing / Sales

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As part of the agreement, Roche has signed a non-exclusive license for relevant IP from DNA Electronics’ proprietary semiconductor technology portfolio. This will enable sensitive detection of nucleotide incorporation during sequencing.

The technology will build on 454 Life Sciences’ current pyrosequencing-based sequencing platforms by enabling a seamless evolution from optical detection to inexpensive, highly scalable electrochemical detection. The collaboration leverages 454 Life Sciences’ long read sequencing chemistry with DNA Electronics’ unique knowledge of semiconductor design and expertise in pH-mediated detection of nucleotide insertions, to produce a long read, high density sequencing platform. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The promise of routine human genome sequencing continues to inspire the scientific community, particularly in cancer research, where genetics play a large role in disease detection, progression and treatment. Combining the scalability and cost savings of semiconductor technology, a result of decades of advances in the computing industry, with 454 Life Sciences’ long read chemistry has the potential to enable comprehensive human genome mutation and structural variation identification within hours.

“We’re pleased to work together with DNA Electronics, the inventors of ISFET DNA sequencing technology, to bring the benefits of semiconductors to the field of sequencing,” said Christopher McLeod, President and CEO of 454 Life Sciences. “This collaboration nicely combines our expertise in long read sequencing chemistry with DNA Electronics’ understanding of the ISFET technology and semiconductor design.”

Commenting on the signing of the agreement with Roche, DNA Electronics Chairman and CEO, Professor Chris Toumazou, said, “We have always believed that ISFET semiconductor technology will play a significant role in the future of life science and healthcare markets. We are delighted to embark on this collaboration with 454 Life Sciences, a pioneer in the field of high-throughput sequencing.”

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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.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.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.

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Roche Partners with DNA Electronics to Develop a Low-Cost, High-Throughput DNA Sequencing System