Launch of novel RNA assays for gene silencing measurement

Dharmacon and Genospectra have agreed to launch a genome-wide line of assays specifically designed to measure RNA changes directly from cell lysates, fresh tissue and archived tissue samples.

The new QuantiGene human genome RNA profiling products will provide accurate and precise measurement of gene-silencing experiments using small interfering RNA (siRNA). When used together, QuantiGene bDNA assays and SMARTpool siRNA products will allow researchers to accurately and efficiently validate RNAi gene knockdown studies, as well as compare and standardise data between experiments and laboratories. The companies plan to jointly sell and market the assays to the life science research market.

This collaboration leverages the natural synergy between Dharmacon's potent and specific SMARTselection designed siRNA reagents for silencing target gene expression and Genospectra's QuantiGene technology for measuring the silencing effect achieved. The QuantiGene Reagent system uses bDNA hybridisation to directly measure the amount of messenger RNA produced by a target gene, providing a precise indication of gene function, including transcriptional repression or activation.

'With this agreement, we are now able to provide two leading-edge technologies: Dharmacon's SMARTpool siRNA gene-silencing reagents and Genospectra's QuantiGene expression profiling tools, for all unique human genes,' said Leland Foster, president and chief executive officer, Fisher Bio-Chemicals Group. 'We have found that Genospectra's QuantiGene assays are among the most accurate, reproducible, and easy-to-use RNA expression assays available today. We are pleased to be able to offer these guaranteed QuantiGene assays to our gene silencing customers. This partnership with Genospectra illustrates our ongoing commitment to collaborating with leading firms offering innovative products that advance life science research.'

The technology

bDNA is an RNA detection and signal amplification technology that quantifies the presence of endogenous nucleic acids directly from lysed cells or tissues without the need for RNA purification, reverse transcription, or PCR amplification. The two companies will offer guaranteed QuantiGene assays for the entire human genome.