Roche unveils sequencing assays to identify genetic variations in leukemia samples

The sequence-based assays utilize the company’s 454 GS Junior and GS FLX systems and enable deep sequencing of PCR amplicons covering key exon regions of human TET2, CBL, KRAS and RUNX1 genes.

By using the GS GType TET2/CBL/KRAS and the GS GType RUNX1 primer sets with 454 Sequencing systems, researchers can detect genetic variants far below the Sanger limit of detection, the company said.

Roche 454 Life Sciences president Thomas Schinecker said, "We are pleased to offer a solution that leverages the strengths of the GS FLX and GS Junior System to deliver long, high-quality sequencing reads and enables better characterization of genetic variations in leukemia samples."

The assays, co-developed with and tested at the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory in Munich, Germany, include primer plates, protocols and dedicated analysis software.