Helicos And Uppsala University Collaborate To Study Genome Structure And Its Effects On Gene Expression Utilizing True Single Molecule Sequencing Technology

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ:HLCS) today announced a scientific collaboration with a respected genomics research group at Sweden's Uppsala University aimed at gaining new insights into how genome structure plays a key role in the ways genes are regulated within cells.

The Uppsala team, led by Claes Wadelius, will work with Helicos scientists on a research plan designed to utilize Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)™ technology to investigate changes in the cell nucleus that occur in the presence of growth factors. This includes changes in the structure of the protein-DNA complexes that make up chromosomes and how they interact with transcription factors that bind DNA. This information will help provide a more complete understanding of how structural features of the genome affect gene expression.

"The ability of the Helicos technology to determine sequence information from individual molecules of DNA and RNA allows an unbiased, high-resolution view of cellular gene regulation," said Uppsala University's Wadelius.

The Uppsala team will utilize its experience from the ENCODE (Encyclopedia Of DNA Elements) consortium, an international network of research institutions working to identify and characterize all functional elements within the human genome. The collaboration will rely on the vast expertise of the Uppsala University research group in examining critical questions of genome biology and the accuracy of true direct DNA measurement.

The research partnership will investigate what happens to the genetic architecture of cells when they are exposed to growth factors. The exposures result in changes at the DNA level in the structure of nucleosomes — the fundamental repeated units of chromosomes — as well as in transcription factor binding and their role in altering subsequent gene activity. The level and timing of gene activity is a critical factor for a wide range of healthy cellular function, such as immune response, as well as many diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

"One of the keys to a full understanding of genome biology is the ability to effectively integrate what we know about genome structure with the complex interactions between DNA and molecules in the cell that control gene activity," explained Helicos Chief Scientific Officer Patrice Milos. "We are privileged to be working with the Uppsala scientists, as they have played such a crucial role in exploring the genome. They share our excitement about the opportunity afforded by Helicos' single molecule sequencing approach to unravel the secrets of genome structure and function."

About Helicos BioSciences
Helicos BioSciences is a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies for the research, drug discovery, and diagnostic markets. Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)™ technology allows direct measurement of billions of strands of DNA, enabling scientists to perform experiments and ask questions never before possible. Helicos is a recipient of the $1,000 genome grant and is committed to providing scientists the tools to unlock the era of genomic medicine. The company's corporate headquarters are located at One Kendall Square, Building 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, and its telephone number is (617) 264-1800. For more information, please visit www.helicosbio.com.

About Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a comprehensive international research university, with more than 500 years dedicated to advancing science, scholarship, and higher education. Uppsala University has 6,000 employees. Every year more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students enroll for classes. Research is pursued across nine faculties - theology, law, arts, languages, social sciences, educational sciences, medicine, pharmacy, science and technology. Most of the research is of a fundamental nature but many of the research projects are driven together in close cooperation with commercial industries and the public sector. International collaboration is a key link in the University's activities. For more information, please visit http://www.uu.se/en/.

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, Helicos' expectations concerning the outcome of the collaboration with Uppsala University discussed in this press release and management's plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Helicos' control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, our ability to successfully complete the manufacturing process and commercialize the Helicos Genetic Analysis System; competition; changing technology and customer requirements; our ability to operate in an emerging market; market acceptance of our technology; our ability to retain our personnel and hire additional skilled personnel; our ability to manage our rapid growth and our ability to obtain capital when desired on favorable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Helicos undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by Helicos, see the disclosure contained in Helicos' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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