Helicos BioSciences Announces the World's First-Ever Genome Sequencing Using True Single Molecules.CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Pioneer in High-Speed, High-Sensitivity True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS(TM)) Conducts First Successful M13 Sequencing Using Non-Amplified Single Molecule-Based Technology In a first-of-its-kind achievement in high-speed sequencing, Helicos BioSciences today announced that it has successfully sequenced the M13 genome, by utilizing its non-amplified True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS(TM)) technology in conjunction with its SimplePrep(TM) genome preparation technique. Sequencing of M13 was conducted on the entire genome, including so-called homopolymeric sequences. "This marks an unprecedented achievement," said Stanley N. Lapidus, President and 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 Helicos BioSciences. "Helicos is the only organization to have successfully sequenced a genome using tSMS(TM) technology - an accomplishment we've worked hard to achieve." He added, "The simplicity of tSMS(TM) in working directly from genomic DNA genomic DNA n. The full complement of DNA contained in the genome of a cell or organism. and eliminating amplification, provides researchers with unparalleled advantages, potentially enabling them to represent the entire human genome on a single glass substrate - and to sequence it in a day, and not years." About tSMS(TM) tSMS(TM) is a technique that enables researchers to rapidly and accurately sequence individual molecules of DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. . This allows direct interrogation interrogation In criminal law, process of formally and systematically questioning a suspect in order to elicit incriminating responses. The process is largely outside the governance of law, though in the U.S. of the single molecule as opposed to an amplified population of molecules. The advantages of tSMS(TM) over amplified molecule sequencing include: no PCR PCR polymerase chain reaction. PCR abbr. polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) bias, no errors introduced by amplification, and no dephasing issues commonly present in amplified molecule sequencing. In addition, tSMS(TM) promises the highest possible throughput and enables reagent cost savings on the order of 1,000 times less than Sanger sequencing. About Helicos BioSciences Helicos BioSciences Corporation began operations in February 2004, after raising $27 million from a top-tier investment consortium. Helicos is developing instruments and reagents for the high-speed sequencing of DNA and RNA RNA: see nucleic acid. RNA in full ribonucleic acid One of the two main types of nucleic acid (the other being DNA), which functions in cellular protein synthesis in all living cells and replaces DNA as the carrier of genetic with the highest possible sensitivity. The Helicos technology, based on the work of Dr. Stephen Quake and Dr. Ido Braslavsky, promises to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare. tSMS(TM) will allow the comparison of genes and genomes from thousands of individuals or cells, and allow the detection of very rare mutations. High-speed, ultra-sensitive sequencing will enable biomedical bi·o·med·i·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to biomedicine. 2. Of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical sciences. experiments never before possible. Ensuing discoveries will lead to accurate molecular diagnostics for cancer and other diseases, individualized in·di·vid·u·al·ize tr.v. in·di·vid·u·al·ized, in·di·vid·u·al·iz·ing, in·di·vid·u·al·iz·es 1. To give individuality to. 2. To consider or treat individually; particularize. 3. drug therapies, and personalized medical treatments. |
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