Biolog Will Collaborate with Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Axiohelix to Phenotype the E. coli Genome.HAYWARD, Calif. -- Biolog, Inc. announced today that it will use its innovative Phenotype phenotype (fē`nətīp'): see genetics. phenotype All the observable characteristics of an organism, such as shape, size, colour, and behaviour, that result from the interaction of its genotype (total genetic makeup) with MicroArray See micro array. microarray - A technique for performing many DNA experiments in parallel. Nothing to do with computers. (TM) (PM) technology to begin broad scale phenotyping of the E. coli E. coli: see Escherichia coli. E. coli in full Escherichia coli Species of bacterium that inhabits the stomach and intestines. E. coli can be transmitted by water, milk, food, or flies and other insects. genome which consists of more than 4,000 genes. Phenotype MicroArrays represent a fundamental technology platform, which allows scientists to easily and efficiently test hundreds to thousands of cellular traits simultaneously. The technology has the promise of determining cellular phenotypic phe·no·type n. 1. a. The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences. b. expression in many areas of research. The two most important near term applications are using PMs to determine the effect of genetic changes on cells and to determine the effect of drugs on cells. Using the E. coli K-12 collection developed at the Nara Institute, Biolog will phenotype each gene knock-out and develop a database of phenotypes for all genes. This work will begin at Biolog's facility in Hayward, Calif., and the first 100 genes will be analyzed by March 2005. The data from those 100 strains will be reviewed by scientists from Biolog, Inc. and the Nara Institute in Nara, Japan. The information from this work will be organized and cataloged by Axiohelix of Tokyo, Japan. It is hoped that the phenotypic analysis will then be expanded in 2005 to include the entire E. coli genome. Tim Mullane, President & CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Biolog, stated that, "E. coli is one of the most studied model cell lines in the world and despite the early mapping of this organism's genome, many genes have no known function. Even where function is known, this information is often incomplete. We have already performed a significant amount of work with researchers focused on E. coli over the last two years, and now we will be involved in systematically exploring the entire genome with our entire array set to provide valuable insight into each gene's function. The potential value of this comprehensive database of information to researchers in anti-bacterial development, biotechnology, and fermentation fermentation, process by which the living cell is able to obtain energy through the breakdown of glucose and other simple sugar molecules without requiring oxygen. Fermentation is achieved by somewhat different chemical sequences in different species of organisms. sciences is enormous. We hope the knowledge gained will lead to more rapid advances in multiple areas." Biolog, a privately held company privately held company A firm whose shares are held within a relatively small circle of owners and are not traded publicly. based in Hayward, Calif., is a pioneer in the development of powerful new cell analysis tools for solving critical problems in clinical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology research and development. The company's Phenotype MicroArray technology and OmniLog(R) PM System can be used in the discovery and development of new drugs as well as bioactive bi·o·ac·tive adj. Of or relating to a substance that has an effect on living tissue. bioactive having an effect on or eliciting a response from living tissue. agents for animal and plant applications. Further information can be obtained at the company's website, www.biolog.com. The Nara Institute of Science and Technology is a national university comprised solely of graduate schools. NAIST strives to promote basic research in advanced science and technology and to educate individuals to pursue R&D in the multiple areas of science; see www.naist.jp. Axiohelix is a privately held company based in Tokyo, Japan, serving multinational clients. The company offers a suite of services, which include: consultancy, e-business and pervasive computing Refers to the use of computers in everyday life, including PDAs, smartphones and other mobile devices. It also refers to computers contained in commonplace objects such as cars and appliances and implies that people are unaware of their presence. solutions, system integration, digital design, and outsourced code production. The company's goal is to combine extensive industry experience, best practices in software production, with an efficient cost structure to their clients; see www.axiohelix.com. |
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