The National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR) has selected febit's DNA-capture method, HybSelect, to re-sequence the exons of genes involved in over 400 of the most devastating childhood diseases with the ultimate goal of developing genetic tests to detect carrier status for recessive genetic diseases in prospective parents.
In this collaboration the NCGR will bring its experience in comprehensive Illumina sequencing studies to febit's automated HybSelect technology for targeted re-sequencing to develop and test highly parallel analysis. This will enhance the multiplexing capability of HybSelect to perform surveys in large-cohort studies.
NCGR scientists searched for a fast and affordable technology that would allow them to capture the exons of interest for re-sequencing. febit's automated HybSelect technology for targeted, hybridization-based DNA enrichment supports deep sequencing studies resulting in high coverage results. The Geniom RT Analyzer provides the easy-to-use and highly automated capturing of the desired DNA fragments for further Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Stephen Kingsmore, CEO of NCGR, stated: "We are impressed by the unique flexibility and scalability of febit's HybSelect technology and with the ease of integration in production sequencing with Illumina Genome Analyzers. In partnership with the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, we aim to combine these technologies to offer highly cost effective screening for rare childhood diseases."
febit will provide its technology, application, training and support to NCGR. "We are delighted that NCGR will use our flexible Geniom technology to investigate rare genomic diseases," said Peer Staehler, CSO of febit. "The flexible content of the microarray-based biochip allows researchers to fully determine the capture probes and incorporate new results. This cooperation supports febit's progress in developing capable new biomarkers for complex diseases."
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