BioMark Dynamic Arrays Boost Genotyping Efficiency for Projects Encompassing 30-300 Markers and 1,000 or More Individual Samples
SAIC-Frederick, Inc. has acquired the BioMark™ system for use in its Core Genotyping Facility (CGF) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. SAIC-Frederick is the prime contractor for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). SAIC-Frederick operates the CGF for NCI-Frederick as part of its Advanced Technology Program.
The CGF was established to determine the heritable components for various forms of cancer. This genetic information may be used to screen individuals for cancer susceptibility and to guide the design of targeted therapies.
“The NCI is one of the premier cancer research centers in the world, so we are delighted that its prime contractor, SAIC-Frederick, is using the BioMark system in the race to identify susceptibility markers,” said Fluidigm CEO Gajus Worthington.
The CGF evaluated different platforms before selecting dynamic arrays as the best solution for increased genotyping efficiency. The BioMark system is based on a new consumable known as dynamic arrays, which automatically assemble PCR assays “on-chip”, thus eliminating much of the labor.
“This system allows us to take advantage of TaqMan® assays we’ve already developed and validated,” said Robert Welch, Operational Director, CGF, SAIC-Frederick. The CGF has a repository of more than 5,000 5’ nuclease assays that assess single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to test candidate genes against samples from well diagnosed cancer patients. With dynamic arrays, the CGF can draw upon their store of SNP assays and run them against its plentiful patient samples. A typical project addressed by this technology entails 30-300 assays for candidate genes and 1,000 or more samples.
Until now, large association studies utilizing the gold-standard 5’ nuclease assays have typically required thousands of microwell plates, mechanical robotics to perform liquid transfers, and large volumes of costly reagents. This approach, while automated, is prohibitively complex and expensive. BioMark dynamic arrays radically simplify the process because a matrix of channels, valves, and chambers within each array automatically assembles 2,304 parallel, nano-volume reactions. With the BioMark™ system and standard, industry-accepted reagents, researchers can increase their throughput 6-fold, decrease pipetting 50-fold, yet cut running costs substantially relative to current 384-well genotyping systems.
About SAIC-Frederick, Inc.
SAIC-Frederick develops and applies advanced technologies to accelerate the development and delivery of new products to cancer patients. It is the prime contractor for NCI-Frederick and a wholly owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation based in San Diego, California.
About Fluidigm Corporation
Fluidigm Corporation develops and distributes systems based on the unique properties of integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs) to control precisely fluids on a nanoliter volume scale. The Company's vision is to create and to lead a new industry in which IFCs bring unparalleled efficiencies to the life science and allied fields. Based in South San Francisco, California, the Company is privately held and backed by premier investors: Versant Ventures, Euclid SR Partners, InterWest Partners, Alloy Ventures, Lehman Brothers Healthcare Fund, Bio*One Capital, Bruce Burrows, Lilly BioVentures, the Invus Group, SightLine Partners, AllianceBernstein, Wasatch Advisors and its affiliate, Cross Creek Capital, and GE Equity.
Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, and BioMark are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. TaqMan is a registered trademark of Roche Molecular Systems.