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SIGMA-ALDRICH LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE ONLINE TOOL, PATHFINDER – A COLLECTION OF COMPREHENSIVE, BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS

Merck
9 Apr 2006

Product news

Sigma-Aldrich (NASDAQ: SIAL), a leading $1.7 billion Life Science company, announces the launch of PathFinder, an innovative online resource that offers a free and comprehensive collection of interactive biological pathways.

PathFinder presents biological signaling and metabolic pathways in an interactive, graphical representation of the cell that researchers can use to explore the relationships between different pathway components. The online tool provides links to appropriate, high-quality products from Sigma-Aldrich’s first-in-class range, including small molecules, antibodies, enzymes, QPCR components and siRNAis for gene knockdown. Additional support is provided through links to detailed product descriptions and technical articles. PathFinder, developed in conjunction with bioinformatics specialist Protein Lounge, will be launched initially with some 20 pathways.

Once completed later this year, the application will contain over 100 signal transduction pathways. “As we move from genome to proteome to fully integrative biological approaches, the importance of exploring and exploiting the interrelationships of cell signaling and metabolic pathways in both basic and drug discovery research is increasing,” said Keith Watling, Director of Strategic Marketing, Cell Signaling at Sigma-Aldrich. “Our online PathFinder resource provides a tool to help integrate products across complex signaling and metabolic pathways. It will help users visualize the components involved, along with the links between pathways, and will build a valuable tool to accelerate the pace of discovery. It will provide scientists with a quick overview of pathways they are working on, and will enable them to find products for their target molecules efficiently and with relevant additional information.”

To learn more about PathFinder, please visit Sigma-Aldrich at the Experimental Biology Conference in San Francisco April 1-5, 2006, at booth #522 or online.

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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.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.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.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.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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SIGMA-ALDRICH LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE ONLINE TOOL, PATHFINDER – A COLLECTION OF COMPREHENSIVE, BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS