Laboratory
Next-generation Sequencing
The CGF has begun collaboration with Roche Diagnostics/454 Life Sciences to evaluate their next-generation sequencing technology. The initial project involves the resequencing of a ~145kb region of interest in 40 prostate cancer cases, 40 controls, and seven members of a CEPH family. For this project, the resequencing will be performed at 454 Life Sciences and subsequent data analyses at the CGF.
Medium-scale multiplex
The CGF defines a medium-scale multiplex as an assay that interrogates between 36 and 384 SNPs. The CGF has determined that the integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) technology developed by the Fluidigm® Corporation for use on their BioMark system fulfills the requirements for medium-scale multiplex. This technology uses already validated TaqMan assays in a multiplex environment. The current Dynamic Arrays offered by Fluidigm® allow for 46 samples and 2 DNA controls to be interrogated by up to 48 assays per Dynamic Array.
The newest generation arrays offer 94 samples and 2 DNA controls by 96 assays per Dynamic Array and are currently being tested by the CGF. We expect availability of the 96x96 arrays to customers by summer 2008.
At this time, BioMark is available to investigators on a limited basis. We are currently optimizing automation strategies that will allow the assay to be used in the high throughput production facility.
