Scripps Translational Science Institute’s (STSI) genomic researchers are now looking to America’s healthy elderly, known as the wellderly – those 80 years and older with no history of chronic disease – to help them unlock the genetic secrets behind lifelong health.
The wellderly study is currently recruiting volunteers from across America to donate their DNA to the project’s gene bank. These samples will be studied by STSI researchers to uncover the protective elements of the human genetic code.
To maximize the efficiency of its second-generation genome sequencing technology for the study’s large number of samples, Scripps will need a method of isolating biologically relevant genomic loci on the megabase scale.
RainDance’s initial work will be a proof-of-principle study to show the effectiveness of its RainStorm technology for amplifying a large number of genomic loci across a diverse set of samples. RainDance’s Sequence Enrichment application leverages the RainStorm technology to enable researchers to perform millions of individual polymerase chain reactions per day using conventional thermocyclers.
According to RainDance, the application can achieve high levels of DNA amplification using small amounts of sample for a theoretically unlimited number of targeted loci.
Chris McNary, president and CEO of RainDance Technologies, said: “We believe our collaboration will accelerate the completion of the program’s research objectives by using RainDance’s Sequence Enrichment application to enhance the efficiency of STSI’s next-generation sequencing technology. In addition, our participation will help optimize experimental procedures as we prepare for release of our platform in the fourth quarter of 2008.”