October 13, 2005 Source: Lakehead University:
http://communications.lakeheadu.ca/news/?id=207 Lakehead University and Genesis Genomics Inc. Open New Microarray Facility (Thunder Bay – October 13, 2005) Lakehead University’s Paleo DNA Laboratory and Genesis Genomics Inc. have officially opened the new Microarray Facility in the Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre (NOTC). This facility will aid in the research conducted by both laboratories. "Genesis Genomics Inc. is pleased to see the opening of this state-of-the-art facility," says Dr. Bob Thayer, President and CEO of Genesis Genomics Inc. "Our partnership with Lakehead University and the Paleo DNA Laboratory is a mutually beneficial one, and the sharing of the Microarray facility is an example of our partnership." Dr. Bob Thayer, Dr. Lesley Lovett-Doust, and John Guerard cutting the ribbon at the Microarray facilities in NOTC.
"Lakehead University is well known for its collaborations, both internally, and with industry partners such as Genesis Genomics Inc., which shares the NOTC with our world-renowned Paleo-DNA lab," says Dr. Lesley Lovett-Doust, Dean, Science and Environmental Studies, Lakehead U. "I am very pleased that researchers from Genesis Genomics Inc. are affiliated with our departments as adjunct professors; this new microarray laboratory will provide even more opportunities for exciting, synergistic research with our students and faculty. Novel research projects are already under way in this facility. The development of microarray systems for applications in health, the environment and industry opens up a wonderful future of innovation and discovery that will benefit our university and our community." Funding for the Microarray been received from FedNor (Industry Canada), the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Genesis Genomics Inc, and Lakehead University. Microarray System Background It is widely believed that the thousands of genes and the biochemical products (RNA and proteins) in every organism work together in a complicated and orchestrated way to function as the mystery of life. Traditionally, the methods and technology used in molecular biology have been on a "one gene in one experiment" basis. This has resulted in a very tedious and extremely slow process in studying genes and their RNA and protein products. In addition, the "whole picture" of gene function has been extremely hard to obtain. In the past few years, new technology had been developed that has attracted a tremendous amount of interest among all biologists. It is called the DNA microarray. It is believed that this new technology will enable the monitoring of the whole genome on a single chip, enabling researchers to get a better picture of the interactions among the thousands of genes in each organism simultaneously. There are two major application forms for the DNA microarray technology:
1) Identification of sequence (gene / gene mutation), and
2) Determination of expression level (abundance) of genes DNA microarray, or DNA chips, are fabricated by high-speed robotics, generally on glass but sometimes on nylon substrates, for which probes with known identity are used to determine complementary binding, thus allowing massively parallel gene expression and gene discovery studies. An experiment with a single DNA chip can provide researchers information on thousands of genes simultaneously — a dramatic increase in throughput. Some uses of Microarrays: Clinical researchers are using microarray systems to more rapidly discover RNA and DNA patterns which can better classify disease, understand mechanism-of-action, and predict response to therapy in a number of disease areas. In drug development, pharmaceutical companies are using microarray systems to increase certainty in drug development via improved target identification, a better understanding of mechanism-of-action, and predicting which subset of patients will respond to a particular drug. Using this technology, researchers may employ strategies to rescue drugs that demonstrate low efficacy rates in later-stage clinical trials. Researchers, using either tissue or blood, may also discover genomic patterns to facilitate understanding of heterogeneity of disease, patients, and targets to ultimately improve patient survival and quality of life.Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory
Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory has been among the pioneers in the application of modern molecular genetic techniques and technologies to the study of archaeological, degraded, and Paleo-DNA. Experience gained through the analysis of very-difficult-to-work-with exceptionally degraded material allows the Laboratory to offer very high-quality genetic analytical services for forensic and paternity purposes. In addition, the Laboratory undertakes research projects involving the study of disease in ancient populations, wildlife classifications, and both modern and ancient human identification, among others. For more information, visit: www.ancientdna.com Genesis Genomics Inc.
Genesis Genomics Inc. is a cutting-edge biotech research corporation currently developing a new universal detection tool that will identify the early stages of cancer, for early effective treatment. For more information, visit: www.genesisgenomics.com -30- Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177 or 472-9113
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