Nov 13 2008
RainDance Technologies, Inc., a provider of innovative microdroplet-based solutions for human health and disease research, today officially introduced its Sequence Enrichment Solution for targeted sequencing applications of the human genome.
RainDance unveiled the solution at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) in Philadelphia, Penn.
“The RainDance Sequence Enrichment Solution represents a true paradigm shift forward in the sequencing of targeted regions of the human genome,” said Chris McNary, President and Chief Executive Officer of RainDance Technologies.
“Our solution will enable the high-resolution analysis of genetic variation between individuals within populations at a level unmatched by current methodologies. It dramatically improves sample uniformity and reduces the selection bias typically associated with targeted sequencing,” McNary said.
Targeted sequencing is one of the fastest growing applications for next-generation sequencing technology. Sequence enrichment is a critical step in an efficient targeted sequencing workflow. The RainDance Sequence Enrichment Solution allows researchers to isolate specific regions of the genome for subsequent sequencing.
The RainDance Sequence Enrichment Solution consists of the following:
- The RDT 1000, also introduced today at ASHG, generates picoliter volume discrete PCR reactions in droplets at the unprecedented rate of 10 million per hour. It amplifies hundreds to thousands of genomic loci with high specificity and uniformity.
- Customer-Specified DNA Primer Libraries enable the amplification of hundreds to thousands of genomic loci in a single tube. RainDance clients will design and order these libraries specifically for their research applications.
- Reagents, consumables, and services provide a complete workflow solution implemented in the laboratory.
“The Sequence Enrichment Solution minimizes errors and maximizes the efficiency of PCR by leveraging the sensitivity and specificity of this proven methodology while avoiding the limitations of alternative multiplex hybridization and amplification techniques,” said McNary.
“It significantly reduces study time and costs while requiring only a few micrograms of sample DNA. Researchers can utilize our solution to either significantly shorten study time, or to enhance study quality by generating additional samples in the same time within the same research budget,” he said.
The solution fits seamlessly into any workflow and dramatically improves process output and data quality. Its “open” design easily integrates with all next-generation DNA sequencing platforms.
The company plans to commercially launch the solution during the first quarter of 2009.
Under RainDance’s Early Access Partner program, the RainDance Sequence Enrichment Solution has been delivered and is in use at selected premier organizations engaged in genomic research, including The Genome Sequencing Center (GSC) at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Rockville, Maryland.
For more information about RainDance Technologies and its revolutionary new Sequence Enrichment Solution and RDT 1000, visit booth 825 at ASHG 2008, or the company’s website at www.raindancetech.com.