Roche Diagnostics and 454 Life Sciences Announce Updated Version of the Ultrafast Genome Sequencer 20 System

Roche Diagnostics and 454 Life Sciences, a majority-owned subsidiary of CuraGen Corporation, today announced the launch of an updated version of the Genome Sequencer 20 System. Version 1.02 of the Genome Sequencer 20 System comes with a bundle of improvements. The most important new features are:

• a single read accuracy of ≥99%;
• software algorithms to enable additional applications;
• two additional gasket formats;
• extended shelf life and improved reagent handling such as rapid thawing protocols; and
• a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) enabled mode, facilitating embedding of the system into lab infrastructures.

The enhanced features of the Genome Sequencer 20 System, version 1.02 will yield several significant improvements in the way the system can be used and in the data that result. The increased accuracy of single reads (≥99%) will further increase the quality of consensus sequences. It will also considerably improve the confidence level of putative sequence deviations detected using heterozygote calling and ultra deep amplicon sequencing, which the companies plan to launch later this year.

The new software algorithms result in improved assembly and contigging procedures and allow for sequencing of hundreds of thousands of short DNA fragments such as serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) tags or cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) tags, miRNA or chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) fragments. By combining new gasket formats with new software capabilities, the system's flexibility will be increased considerably, enabling more applications to be addressed more efficiently. This refers particularly to high quality gene expression or sequencing of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs).

"The Genome Sequencer 20 System, version 1.02 offers the potential of a genome-wide analysis of eukaryotic genomes. With the introduction of our amplicon sequencing portfolio in July, the most interesting market segments are now being covered," commented Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics.

"We and Roche are consistently working together and with our customers to develop the most useful enhancements to the Genome Sequencer 20 System," stated Chris McLeod, President and CEO of 454 Life Sciences. "While we believe that our system already provides superior speed and accuracy to currently available platforms, we are always looking for ways to improve our technology based on the ever changing needs of our customers."

The cost-effective Genome Sequencer 20 can perform sequencing runs up to 60times faster than conventional commercially available platforms. The technology on which the system is based was developed by 454 Life Sciences. The system¡¯s hallmark is a the proprietary PicoTiterPlate, which allows the Genome Sequencer 20 System to sequence over 20 million bases within a five hour run. The technology integrates proprietary picoliter-technologies, patented light emitting sequencing chemistries, and state-of-the-art informatics. The method is fast thanks to a high degree of parallelization: the entire process sequences thousands of DNA molecules simultaneously.