Applied Biosystems has announced that it has established a global service provider programme for RNA expression analysis.
The Taqman service provider programme was created for research scientists who do not have laboratories equipped for performing Taqman assays, or who choose to outsource experiments to obtain accurate, sensitive and reproducible data.
This programme will provide these scientists with a 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 programme include Gene Logic, Genome Explorations, SeqWright, Asuragen, Central Biotechnology Services, DNA Vision, Oncostem, Gandel Charitable Trust Sequencing Centre and Sydney University Prince Alfred Molecular Analysis Centre.
These organisations will offer customers genomic research services that use the 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 access to predefined 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.
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.
Peter Dansky, president of the functional analysis division at Applied Biosystems, said: 'The launch of this programme 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 programme by providing reagents, instruments and expertise that are expected to enhance the ability of participating service providers to deliver advanced RNA expression analysis services to customers.
The initial members were chosen to be part of the programme 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 base of gene expression profiles from human and animal tissues and cells.
Quality controlled by expert clinical pathologists, the organisation's genomic samples are characterised 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, chief executive officer of Gene Logic.
'Adding the portfolio of Taqman RNA expression analysis tools from Applied Biosystems 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.'
