Garvan and Roche to develop genomics technologies for epigenomic analysis
Roche Sequencing and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have announced a two-year collaboration to develop new technologies for targeted epigenomic analysis using DNA sequencing.
Genomics is a rapidly evolving field with a focus on realising the potential use of sequencing information in patient diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, epigenetics - the heritable changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence or genetic code but rather involve secondary chemical modifications of the DNA and the structural proteins in chromosomes - plays an important role in a host of biological processes.
Due to the myriad epigenomic events responsible for influencing expression of genes in chromosomes, more advanced methods are being sought to accurately analyse these changes. The Garvan Institute and Roche will collaborate to develop new methods to analyse regions of the epigenome.
The collaboration brings together the genomics expertise and infrastructure at Garvan and the products for target enrichment from Roche NimbleGen, part of the Roche Sequencing Unit. As part of the agreement, the SeqCap Target Enrichment System from Roche will be used by scientists at the Garvan Institute to further their research in epigenetic influences on human diseases.
“This collaboration with the Garvan Institute illustrates the potential of SeqCap Target Enrichment products in additional sequencing applications for epigenetic research,” said Tom Albert, head of research at Roche’s Sequencing Unit. “This brings us closer to delivering sequencing applications to the clinic that offer truly differentiated medical value.”
“This is an excellent example of collaboration between a leading-edge company and research institute in the development of advanced technology for genetic analysis, which will empower more research into human biology and disease and lead to many translational opportunities,” added Professor John Mattick, executive director of the Garvan Institute.
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