Applied Biosystems launches service provider programme for real-time RNA expression analysis

Applied Biosystems Inc announced today that it has established a global service provider programme for RNA expression analysis. The TaqMan^® Service Provider Program was created for research scientists who do not have laboratories equipped for performing TaqMan assays, or who choose to outsource their experiments to obtain accurate, sensitive and reproducible data, generated by authorised third parties using Applied Biosystems’ TaqMan RNA expression analysis reagents. This programme will provide these scientists with a comprehensive 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, an Ocimum Biosolutions Company (United States); Genome Explorations (United States); SeqWright Inc (United States); Asuragen (United States); Central Biotechnology Services (United Kingdom); DNAVision (Belgium); OncoStem (Spain); The Gandel Charitable Trust Sequencing Centre (Australia); and Sydney University Prince Alfred Molecular Analysis Centre (Australia).

These organisations will offer their customers genomic research services that use Applied Biosystems 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 ready access to pre-defined 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, representing a significant extension to the pre-defined gene sets for this solution.

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.

“We’ve created this RNA analysis services programme to broaden access to Applied Biosystems’ portfolio of TaqMan technologies, so that greater numbers of scientists can use these industry-leading reagents to advance their understanding of the molecular basis of life and disease,” said Peter Dansky, president of Applied Biosystems’ functional analysis division. “The launch of this program 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 Program by providing reagents, instruments and expertise which are expected to enhance the participating service providers’ ability 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 bases 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, CEO of Gene Logic. “Adding Applied Biosystems comprehensive portfolio of TaqMan RNA expression analysis tools 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.”