Transgenomic Introduces SURVEYOR(R) Endonuclease Adaptor-Ligated Libraries (SEAL) for Determining Whole Genome Sequence...( High Throughput Technology Identifi...)

High Throughput Technology Identifies DNA Variations Between a Reference

Genome and Test Genome

OMAHA, Neb., June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Transgenomic (OTC Bulletin Board: TBIO) today announced that it is developing SURVEYOR Endonuclease Adaptor-ligated Libraries (SEAL). A cost-effective and high throughput enabling technology for whole genome analysis, SEAL identifies DNA variations between a reference genome and a test genome. SEAL is designed to recognize point mutations and small insertion/deletions at 100 to 1000 times lower sequencing intensity than current methods, and thus has the potential to reduce the cost of whole genome analysis of such variations to under $10,000.

Dr. Eric Kaldjian, Chief Scientific Officer of Transgenomic, stated, "With its potential for low-cost assessment of variation in the human genome, SEAL could transform the genomic approach to patient-tailored prevention and treatment, as well as accelerate our understanding of the mechanisms of complex diseases. It should be a useful complement to whole genome sequencing results by confirming sequence variations. In addition, SEAL's capacity to compare drug-resistant and wild-type strains could be utilized for deep and rapid investigation of sequence-associated drug resistance mechanisms in human pathogens, as well as the discovery of novel antibiotic targets."

SEAL was invented by Dr. Gary Gerard and colleagues in Transgenomic's Gaithersburg Laboratories, evolving from the Company's SURVEYOR Nuclease technology, which is highly sensitive for detecting genetic variations. By focusing analysis solely on regions of DNA variation, SEAL eliminates the sequencing of vast amounts of non-variant DNA, but is not limited to assessment of known common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It thus bridges the current technology gap between haplotyping of known SNPs and deep high-throughput DNA sequencing.

Craig Tuttle, Chief Executive
'/>"/>