Sep 16 2008
Applied Biosystems Inc. today announced that it has established a global service provider program for RNA expression analysis. The TaqMan® Service Provider Program was created for research scientists who do not have laboratories equipped for performing TaqMan assays, or who choose to outsource their experiments to obtain accurate, sensitive, and reproducible data, generated by authorized third parties using Applied Biosystems’ TaqMan RNA expression analysis reagents. This program will provide these scientists with a comprehensive solution for completing a variety of biological sample processing and data analysis projects that incorporate gold-standard TaqMan assay chemistry. Scientists who need higher throughput real-time PCR capabilities or advanced TaqMan solutions can also benefit from having access to these service providers.
The initial service providers in the program include Gene Logic, an Ocimum Biosolutions Company (United States); Genome Explorations (United States); SeqWright Inc (United States); Asuragen (United States); Central Biotechnology Services (United Kingdom); DNAVision (Belgium); OncoStem (Spain); The Gandel Charitable Trust Sequencing Centre (Australia); and Sydney University Prince Alfred Molecular Analysis Centre (Australia).
These organizations will offer their customers genomic research services that use Applied Biosystems TaqMan-based RNA expression analysis solutions. Examples of these solutions include TaqMan gene expression and miRNA assays, TaqMan® Arrays and TaqMan® Express Plates, and Megaplex™ products for streamlining the profiling of miRNA samples. Other tools available to service providers include ready access to pre-defined sets of genes for pathway or disease state analyses. This week, Applied Biosystems added more than 100 preconfigured sets of genes to its TaqMan® Gene Sets portfolio, representing a significant extension to the pre-defined gene sets for this solution.
Real-time PCR performed with TaqMan RNA expression analysis assays is a widely-used laboratory method for simultaneously detecting and quantifying nucleic acids in biological samples. Applications of real-time PCR performed with TaqMan RNA assays include miRNA analysis, microarray validation, RNA interference (RNAi) assessment, candidate gene studies, and biological pathway studies.
“We’ve created this RNA analysis services program to broaden access to Applied Biosystems portfolio of TaqMan technologies, so that greater numbers of scientists can use these industry-leading reagents to advance their understanding of the molecular basis of life and disease,” said Peter Dansky, president of Applied Biosystems’ functional analysis division. “The launch of this program represents the first phase of what we expect to become an expansive international network of TaqMan Service Providers.”
Applied Biosystems is supporting the TaqMan Service Provider Program by providing reagents, instruments and expertise which are expected to enhance the participating service providers’ ability to deliver advanced RNA expression analysis services to customers. The initial members were chosen to be part of the program based on proficiency in executing the TaqMan RNA expression analysis workflow and generating reliable data using related software analysis tools.
For instance, Gene Logic has assembled one of the world's largest and most detailed knowledge bases of gene expression profiles from human and animal tissues and cells. Quality controlled by expert clinical pathologists, the organization’s genomic samples are characterized by hundreds of clinical parameters and encompass key therapeutic areas, such as oncologic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic disorders.
“We strategically partner with pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms in their genomic biomarker discovery pursuits, because we have very stringent quality control and data standard policies,” said Anu Acharya, CEO of Gene Logic. “Adding Applied Biosystems comprehensive portfolio of TaqMan RNA expression analysis tools to our set of genomic analysis solutions will help us to expand the range of applications we support and provide our global clients with the data quality and reproducibility that they require for their drug discovery efforts.”
Applied Biosystems is a global leader in the development and commercialization of instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services for the life-science market. The company offers one of the life-science industry’s most comprehensive lines of RNA expression analysis tools that include individual TaqMan assays and arrays of assays for miRNA analysis, along with a complete line of TaqMan® Array gene signature panels and more than 1,000,000 individual TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. These RNA expression analysis assay solutions are available on the Applied Biosystems website, and can be used with the appropriate real-time PCR instrument systems that include the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System, 7300 Real-Time PCR System, StepOne™ Real-Time PCR System, and StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System. More information about Applied Biosystems’ complete line of RNA expression analysis solutions is available at: http://info.appliedbiosystems.com.
For more information about the TaqMan Service Provider Program, please visit http://info.appliedbiosystems.com/taqmanservice. Service providers who are interested in becoming a part of this program may contact their local Applied Biosystems representative.