GA-map™ Technology

Genetic Analysis AS has developed a DNA-based platform technology that allows for simultaneous analysis of a large number of similar (but not identical) gene fragments in one reaction.

GA’s focus is to utilise this platform technology to identify variations in the hundreds of different bacteria that exist in the gut (large and small intestine). These bacteria in the gut (also referred to as microflora or microbiota) play an important role in the health conditions of individuals.

The GA-map™ platform technology utilises common and variable DNA sequences within the 16S rRNA gene of the bacteria to characterize and identify the different bacteria.

A more detailed description of the technology can be found in the document “Technical Description”, see link below.

In summary, what makes the GA-mapTM technology unique is a combination of a set of proprietary, complimentary technologies:

1. The GA-map ProbeTool™ software program uses special search mechanisms which makes it possible to find a large set of combinations of DNA probes that can be used in the test. Finding these combinations of probes for array generating is an essential step in development of the GA-mapTM tests.
2. A unique universal primer pair that can be used effectively to identify and amplify bacterial DNA from virtually all bacteria present in the gut microflora.
3. A novel method of labeling specific probes based on the presence of specific bacteria in a mixed solution and sorting the labeled probes onto an array.
4. A database containing the information of profiles from the processed arrays, combined to the health conditions of the individual.

The GA-map™ technology also includes a set of other standard molecular biology tools that are optimised for this process.

Together, the GA-map™ technology makes it possible to generate profiles of a person’s microbiota and correlate that profile to different health conditions. Two platforms will be developed, one for the microflora in infants, and one for the adult microflora. The composition of the gut microflora is markedly different in infants and adults.

The GA-map™ technology makes it possible, for the first time, to effectively and on a routine basis analyze the composition of the entire gut microflora, and correlate that composition or profile to various health conditions. Although the importance of the gut microflora in the health of individuals is widely recognized, no diagnostic tool has so far been available in the market place.