Illumina Launches Multi-Sample Indexing for GoldenGate(R) Assay

Illumina, Inc. today launched GoldenGate Indexing, a high-throughput genotyping solution that utilizes multi-sample indexing technology. Researchers may now screen up to 16 times as many samples per reaction as the standard GoldenGate Assay, increasing throughput from 288 samples per day to greater than 2000, while decreasing total reagent consumption. This high-quality genotyping system includes automation control and positive sample tracking through an Illumina Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), creating a turnkey solution for low-complexity screening at an affordable cost per sample. The plexity ranges include 96-plex, 192-plex and 384-plex, which are ideal for screening in the livestock and agriculture market as well as for whole-genome association target validation and quality control applications.

Livestock geneticists, including Curt Van Tassell of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, worked with Illumina to develop GoldenGate Indexing and are now working on a custom panel for screening livestock. Replacing older methods will allow livestock screening labs to better access genetic information of value. For example, breeders use SNP data to identify DNA markers for applications such as identifying parentage and economically important traits, including disease resistance, marbling, and feed efficiency. With Illumina’s new GoldenGate Indexing, researchers will have a higher degree of multiplexing options at a cost they can afford.

“Both livestock and crop researchers have a vested interest in adopting low-plex, high-sample throughput genotyping as a more efficient method for screening. GoldenGate Indexing offers genetic laboratories the opportunity to expand their existing efforts in molecular breeding with a low-cost, fully automated system for fixed and custom content studies,” said Joel McComb, senior vice president and general manager of Illumina’s Life Sciences business unit.

The Illumina GoldenGate Assay is a flexible, pre-optimized assay providing consistent, high-quality genotyping results. GoldenGate Indexing leverages this proven technology by evolving it into a high-sample throughput solution with fully integrated automation and sample tracking capabilities.
GoldenGate Indexing represents only one aspect of Illumina’s broad portfolio of genetic analysis tools for human and agricultural research. Illumina’s array and sequencing-based technologies support the industry’s broadest range of genetic analysis applications.