Illumina Announces Agreement For Sale Of Production-Scale Genetic Analysis Lab
While focused initially on SNP genotyping and the analysis of genetic variation, Mayo Clinic's research teams expect to use the BeadLab for a range of integrated genetic studies, including but not limited to whole-genome and focused gene expression for the analysis of biological and metabolic pathways. Many of these studies will involve the discovery and validation of disease-implicated molecular biomarkers in cancer. The BeadLab will be available to Mayo Clinic investigators at all three Mayo Clinic sites (Jacksonville, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Rochester, Minnesota).
The BeadLab is an end-to-end genetic analysis solution built around Illumina's proprietary BeadArray(TM) technology and featuring extensive automation, parallel sample throughput, high-multiplex assay protocols, low running cost per sample and industry-leading performance. When installed, the new BeadLab at Mayo Clinic will have the capacity to produce routinely one million genotypes per day. The BeadLab will also support gene expression profiling of large sample sets and new methods such as Illumina's DASL(TM) assay for profiling of degraded RNAs from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples.
"There are a variety of teams at Mayo who are employing breakthrough thinking to understand and fight complex diseases of all types," stated Jay Flatley, Illumina President and CEO. "We're both gratified and proud to be a part of the Mayo effort, and particularly excited that our BeadLab can help Mayo Clinic realize its vision of making a real difference for its patients."
Substantial emphasis will be placed initially on genomic studies of cancer and a variety of neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular disorders. These studies will seek to: discover new ways to predict, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; improve the quality of life for cancer patients today and in the future; and develop more accurate ways of diagnosing and managing depression. More information about Mayo Clinic can be found at: http://www.mayoclinic.org and http://www.mayo.edu .