Applied Biosystems and Ludwig Institute to create proteomics infrastructure
The sheer number and complexity of the proteins that comprise a proteome will necessitate the development of more comprehensive bioinformatics tools than those used in genetic analysis systems. Applied Biosystems is developing proteomics tools that would make the analysis of proteins more efficient and cost-effective, much as its genomics tools have done for the structural and functional analysis of genes.
As part of the collaboration, bioinformatics software modules developed by both the Ludwig Institute and Applied Biosystems to collect and visualize gel and mass spectra data will be incorporated into Applied Biosystems SQL*LIMS software customized for proteomics laboratories. System capabilities will include laboratory project management, sophisticated sample and container management, data capture from separation technologies, data mining for expressed proteins, interactive and automated instrument scheduling, and automated data quality monitoring. The system will also allow database searches for protein identity across both public domain and proprietary sources using the intranet or internet.
"Through this new collaboration with Applied Biosystems, the Ludwig Institute will develop a cutting edge proteomic informatics infrastructure that will allow cell and molecular biologists in the lab to handle all aspects of many parallel, complex collaborative experiments in cancer," said Michael Waterfield, branch director of Ludwig Institute's London UC Branch.
"Our goal is to give our customers a flexible infrastructure where instruments, robots, separation technologies and proteomics software analysis tools are seamlessly integrated," said Robert C. Jones, vice president and general manager of Applied Biosystems' Informatics Division. "We expect the Ludwig Institute's excellence in proteomics research, combined with our instrumentation, data flow and information management, to lead to significant advancements in our understanding of the protein biochemistry of cancer."
Applied Biosystems' Proteomics Research Center will combine internal research already underway with technology developed through collaboration to deliver novel proteomics tools for customers who wish to develop their own protein information. Celera Genomics will use tools developed by Applied Biosystems and other partners to create proteomic content of value to academic and commercial partners.
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) is a private research organization established in 1971 with research branches at academic centers in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, and the United States. The branches are established in association with University Hospitals to facilitate close interaction between laboratory and clinical scientists and to provide the clinical resources required for the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research programs. The institute has developed a broadly based research program that addresses the challenge of cancer from many different perspectives—through the disciplines of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, and immunology.
PE Corporation comprises two operating groups. The PE Biosystems Group, now conducting business under the Applied Biosystems name, with sales of $1.2 billion during fiscal 1999, develops and markets instrument-based systems, reagents, software and contract services to the life science industry and research community. PE Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA. The Celera Genomics Group (Rockville, MD) intends to become the definitive source of genomic and related medical information.
For more information: Jay Rhodes, PE Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Dr., Foster City , CA 94404-1128. Tel: 650-554-2581.
Edited by Laura DeFrancesco
Managing Editor, Bioresearch Online