OGT aids research into molecular genetic disease

Oxford, UK – 23 August 2011. OGT, provider of innovative genetics and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, has today announced a new range of CytoSure^® Molecular Testing Arrays and Panels. The new DNA microarrays utilise a unique collection of probes for detecting copy number variations (CNVs) within genes associated with a variety of disorders. Three defined arrays are available covering autism and mental retardation, in-born metabolic disorders and neuromuscular dystrophy. Custom arrays can also be created by combining any of the probe sets, allowing users to specify designs that meet their experimental needs. The arrays, which have been designed in collaboration with leading molecular genetics experts at the Emory University School of Medicine, provide cost-effective testing in a flexible format, generating data that is easy to analyse using OGT’s industry-leading CytoSure Interpret Software.

Each gene on a CytoSure Molecular Testing Array is targeted via multiple exon-specific probes, thereby increasing the resolution and accuracy of CNV detection. If required, multiple diseases can be screened on a single customised array. This simplifies the workflow and reduces the time and cost of processing large, diverse sample sets.

The probes for each gene have been selected from OGT’s proprietary Oligome™ database, which contains over 23 million oligonucleotide probes optimised in silico. CytoSure Molecular Testing Arrays utilise 60 mer oligonucleotide probes in an 8 x 60k and 4 x 180k format, which has been shown to offer higher signal-to-noise ratios through increased specificity and sensitivity. Each array has been verified by Emory University School of Medicine using the CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kit, ensuring there are no gaps in gene coverage and that each probe performs optimally. Further experimental validation has been performed by Emory researchers, thereby maximising the reliability and accuracy of the system. Dr Madhuri Hegde, Scientific Director at Emory Genetics Lab and assistant professor at the university and leader of the academic side of the project, commented: “Our work requires a high level of accuracy combined with in-built flexibility. OGT has the experience and expertise required to optimise the design of microarrays, which is why we chose to partner with them when developing these testing panels for use in our research.”

James Clough, OGT’s Vice President of Clinical and Genomic Solutions, said: “OGT’s new CytoSure Molecular Testing Arrays and Panels greatly simplify disease-related CNV detection. The accuracy of the approach, as well as the ease of analysis offered by OGT’s CytoSure Interpret Software, means that aberrations as small as a few kilobases can be reliably detected. The extensive automatic annotation generated by the software includes information on related syndromes, genes, exons, CNV and recombination hotspots. This provides context, turning results into insights.”

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.