Applied Biosystems Advanced Sequencing Technology to Accelerate
Pancreatic and Ovarian Cancer Research
The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB)
and Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE), today announced a
strategic scientific research collaboration to study pancreatic and
ovarian cancer in Australia. This landmark study involves the genomic
analysis of pancreatic and ovarian tumors, using advanced sequencing
technology from Applied Biosystems, part of Life Technologies, to
advance translational research. This study utilizes genomic information
to potentially develop therapeutic solutions for these diseases, which
kill more than 3,000 Australians each year.
Through this collaboration, IMB is scaling its use of the SOLiD System
by acquiring nine new systems for a total of 11 instruments. The IMB is
deploying SOLiD technology for its participation in the International
Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), an international effort among 11
countries and funding agencies to perform comprehensive analyses of the
genomic changes underlying eight types of cancer. The SOLiD System will
be used by IMB to study 500 pancreatic and ovarian tumors and will
compare the genomic information with that of normal tissue samples.
Applied Biosystems instrument service and support, along with
bioinformatics analytical support will also be utilized to better
understand and identify the amount, kind, and specific location of
genetic variations within the tumors.
The SOLiD System will enable the IMB scientists to systematically
sequence and map genetic changes that occur in each of these cancers and
help provide the foundation for identifying new therapies, diagnostics
and preventive strategies. In almost all forms of cancer, there are
changes that impact the genomes, or genetic blueprint of cells, which
cause disruptions within normal biological pathways, leading to
uncontrolled cell growth.
Sean
Grimmond, Ph.D., group leader in the genomics and
computational group at The University of Queensland’s Institute
for Molecular Bioscience
“The SOLiD System will enable us to conduct complete genomic surveys of
cancerous tumors and better understand the factors, including structural
variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are promoting
uncontrolled growth within the tumor.
