Rapid Discovery of Distinctive Genetic Signatures Accelerates Biomarker Discovery

A system has been developed to speed the biomarker discovery process for the development of rapid diagnostic tests.

With the new system scientists rapidly discovered a DNA barcode for H1N1 Flu using genomic sequences of the virus isolated from infected patients and provided by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH; Bethesda, MD, USA).

Siemens Corporate Research Inc. (SCR; Princeton, NJ, USA) developed the RAPID2 system, which combines information technology with improved genomic sequencing, to quickly identify unique genomic signatures for pathogens. The new system is suitable for discovering genetic targets for cancer diagnostics as well as for disease outbreaks, healthcare-associated infections, and for use within the food and water industries.

Signatures are the foundation for a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests for the rapid detection of healthcare-associated infections such as the potentially dangerous Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Gayle Wittenberg, program manager at SCR and colleagues utilized complex information technology models to focus on genetic targets that quickly identify pathogenic bacteria. "The advantage of our RAPID2 system is that it provides an efficient framework for quickly identifying new biomarkers based on the genomic sequence of a particular pathogen," said Dr. Wittenberg. "In the event of a pandemic, such as the recent H1N1 Flu outbreak, our system would enable a rapid response with the development of a strain-specific diagnostic test. This would help medical professionals manage an outbreak more effectively from the outset."

SCR in New Jersey is one of several Siemens Corporate Technology research and development centers worldwide. The company transforms research into practical solutions and services.

Related Links:
U.S. National Institute of Health
Siemens Corporate Research Inc.