Speedier Genome-Sequencing Technology

New technology for genome sequencing has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to sequence 100 times faster than prior technologies, with 99.99% accuracy. The technology is described in the July 31, 2005, online edition of Nature.

In May 2004, the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (HGRI, Bethesda, MD, USA) awarded a grant to 454 Life Sciences Corp. (Branford, CT, USA) toward the sequencing of larger genomes and to develop the company's ultra-miniaturized technology as a method to sequence individual human genomes. The result was a scalable, highly parallel system that sequenced 25 million base pairs, at 99% accuracy, in a single four-hour run. The technique was illustrated by sequencing the genome of the Mycoplasma genitalium bacterium.

With a 100-fold increase in throughput over current technology, the new instrument system opens up new uses for sequencing, including personalized medicine and diagnostics, oncology research, understanding third-world diseases, and providing fast responses to bioterrorism threats.

"Much like the computer opened up computing to a larger audience, this work will enable the widespread use of sequencing in a number of fields, and ultimately place machines in your doctor's office,” stated Jonathan Rothberg, Ph.D., senior author and founder and chairman of 454 Life Sciences. "This sequencing technique, leveraging the power of microfabrication, is 100 times faster than standard sequencing methods at the start of its development cycle. We expect, as with computers, for it to get more powerful and cheaper each year, as we continue to advance and miniaturize the technology.”

454 Life Sciences is marketing its services, systems, and proprietary reagents to companies as well as to universities and government agencies. In May 2005, the company entered into an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Roche (Geneva, Switzerland) for the promotion, sale, and distribution of 454 Life Sciences' nanotechnology-based genome sequencing systems, including proprietary kits and reagents, to all markets with the exception of regulated diagnostics.

"Because this technology is so affordable and easy to use, we are able to ‘democratize' whole genome research, making it available to researchers outside the major genome-sequencing centers, which we believe will further spread the course of personalized medicine,” noted Christopher McLeod, president and CEO of 454 Life Sciences.






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