NEW YORK, Jan. 28 - The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute will be using US Genomics' direct linear DNA analysis technology in its exploration of genetic variations, the company said on Monday.
Through this arrangement, researchers at UK-based Sanger will use US Genomics' GeneEngine technology, which completes direct linear readings of very long DNA segments. Those segments are run through a sequencer whole, eliminating the need for re-assembly, and, according to the company, providing comprehensive and integrated sequencing data.
US Genomics has not previously licensed the technology or used it in external collaborations. Financial details of this arrangement were not disclosed.
The collaboration will initially be focused on chromosome 22, which was first sequenced by a Sanger-led consortium in 1999.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, formerly called the Sanger Center, is sequencing one third of the human genome, including chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 10, 13, 22, and X. The center's scientific priorities now include studying genetic variations, understanding polygenetic diseases and creating a genomic map to link diseases and haplotype patterns.
Recently, the Wellcome Trust said it would underwrite the institute's research to the tune of roughly £300 million during the next five years.
US Genomics is based in Woburn, Mass. It is privately held.