Innovations in the field of life sciences-2009: No. 7
7th place according to The Scientist. A new tool for identifying important DNA sequences
Researchers have at their disposal a huge amount of invaluable genomic information encoded in about three billion pairs of nucleotide bases. However, to date, this information has no use. The genome is so large and messy that a complete analysis of the information causes great difficulties for specialists. In March 2009, the German company Febit (Heidelberg) launched the production of HybSelect DNA microchips, which allow identifying regions of the genome that play an important role in the development of a particular disease. This technology has already found application in the study of cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
Peer Stähler, Head of the Scientific department of Febit and a former microbiologist at the Institute for Brain Research named after Max Planck explains that HybSelect allows you to analyze large genomes, highlighting particularly valuable fragments for further study.
Researchers interested in isolating certain DNA sequences have two options: send their samples to Febit or purchase HybSelect technology. Fragments isolated by Febit specialists are sent to the customer with recommendations for optimizing gene sequencing. If the customer does not have access to sequencing equipment, the company provides sequencing services on the latest generation equipment. The whole process takes no more than two weeks and costs only $ 10,000 (the cost of a pilot study). Laboratories interested in reducing the time of shipment can also purchase the Geniom RT analyzer for $150,000 – a universal tool developed by the company for processing microchips and analyzing results, and Geniom Biochip, designed to work with HybSelect technology. The device, whose size is relatively small (55.7 x 90.7 x 66.5 cm; 110 kg), allows you to analyze up to 16 samples a day.