Scientists Use Next-Generation Sequencing to Associate Methylation Patterns

Applied Biosystems Scientists Use Next-Generation Sequencing to Associate Methylation Patterns with the Development of Cancer

Applied Biosystems, a division of Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE), today unveiled new approaches for using next-generation genomic analysis sequencing to better understand methylation patterns in different cancerous disease states. A team of research and development scientists utilized the SOLiD(TM) System, an advanced genomic analysis technology, to characterize the methylation status of repetitive elements in the genome, and to expand their studies to identify patterns that could be used as biomarkers for cancer.

Researchers study patterns of methylation, which is a chemical modification to DNA across specific regions of a genome to investigate how epigenetic, or changes in levels of gene expression, impact biological processes. In genomic research, methylation has been reported to inactivate expression of genes that suppress cancer, while demethylation of oncogenes, when mutated or expressed at high levels, help turn a normal cell into a cancer cell. Repetitive events may lead to genomic instability and gene expression changes that initiate or accelerate cancer progression.

Applied Biosystems' scientists studied chemical modifications of DNA by taking advantage of the SOLiD System's capabilities in the mapping and data analysis of methylation patterns. As part of this research, the team used a new reagent from Invitrogen, a division of Life Technologies, to obtain high-read densities across methylated regions of the genome. The MethylMiner(TM) Methylated DNA Enrichment Kit is designed to provide researchers with a library preparation protocol allowing researchers to more easily construct DNA libraries for methylation analysis and to identify patterns of methylation in the genome as potential markers that indicate susceptibility to disease. Data presented at the 100^th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Denver, demonstrates the performance of the SOLiD System to comprehensively characterize the methylation status of a model genome.

Melissa Barker, an Applied Biosystems Senior Staff Scientist at Life Technologies
"As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of human disease, we are finding that a methylation approach to analyzing both genetic and epigenetic changes that occur across the genome will be essential for uncovering clues that will help us to effectively treat complex diseases."

Additional Resources

• SOLiD System
• SOLiD Methylation Resources
• MethylMiner Methylated DNA Enrichment Kit

Applied Biosystems is a global leader in providing innovative instrument systems to accelerate academic and clinical research, drug discovery and development, pathogen detection and forensic DNA analysis. It is a leader in the development of advanced genomic technologies that include a robust line of DNA sequencing systems and chemistries to meet the increasing demands of the scientific community for higher throughput, more sophisticated DNA sequencing solutions. Applied Biosystems, together, with Invitrogen - a leading provider of platform independent, essential life science technologies for disease and drug research, bioproduction and diagnostics - is part of Life Technologies Corporation, which markets the life science industry's most comprehensive portfolio of solutions for molecular and cell biology. Applied Biosystems and Invitrogen products are used in nearly every major laboratory in the world. For more information, please visit:  www.appliedbiosystems.com  and www.invitrogen.com .

About Life Technologies

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research, and 21st century forensics. Life Technologies had sales of more than $3 billion in 2008, employs approximately 9,500 people, has a presence in more than 100 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of approximately 3,600 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc. For more information on how we are making a difference please visit our website: www.lifetechnologies.com.