Danish researchers are using fast real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with gene expression and low density arrays to identify the genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes
Researchers at the Steno Diabetes Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark, are using an Applied Biosystems 7900HT fast real-time PCR system with TaqMan gene expression assays and low density array cards to identify the genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes.
With the Applied Biosystems GeneScan and GeneMapper software, the researchers are genotyping and analysing the sequences of samples from individuals and families with type 1 diabetes.
Professor Flemming Pociot, head of the department of molecular T1D genetics at the centre, said: "This equipment has served us extremely well, it is well used and it is easy to get support from Applied Biosystems.
"We are particularly impressed by the TaqMan low density array cards.
"They give very little variation - which is wonderful - and make data analysis much more straightforward.
"They are also more sensitive than microarrays for some genes.
"It is important that we can design arrays with a limited number of genes, for instance, those located in a specific region of the genome, and can run many samples addressing the same expression profiles".
The data from these studies are being pooled together with data from all over the world as part of the international Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium, which was in part instigated by the Steno Diabetes Centre.
Applied Biosystems adds the following caveats to this announcement: For research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The PCR process and the 5' nuclease assay process are covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems and F Hoffmann-La Roche.
Applied Biosystems 7900HT fast real-time PCR System: practice of the patented polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process requires a license.
The ABI Prism 7900HT sequence detection system base unit in combination with its immediately attached Applied Biosystems 7900HT fast real-time PCR System sample block module is an authorised thermal cycler for PCR and may be used with PCR licenses available from Applied Biosystems.
Its use with authorised reagents also provides a limited PCR license in accordance with the label rights accompanying such reagents.
Purchase of this instrument does not convey any right to practice the 5' nuclease assay or any of the other real-time methods covered by patents owned by Roche or Applied Biosystems.
TaqMan low density arrays: Micro fluidic card developed in collaboration with 3M.
