The Institute for Systems Biology has placed an order with Complete Genomics to sequence 615 whole genomes as part of a study it is doing on neurodegenerative disease.
For the study, the ISB will provide DNA samples from families with multiple affected individuals, while Complete Genomics will perform the sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the genomes and ISB will carry out the remainder of the analysis. The goal of the study is to identify causal and modifying disease genes in neurodegenerative disease.
The recent order expands on previous collaborations between the ISB and Complete Genomics for disease research. Earlier this year, the ISB ordered 100 whole-genome sequences for a study on families with Huntington's disease, in order to identify potential drug targets for the disease (IS 6/15/2010). And last year, Complete Genomics sequenced the genomes of four individuals as part of an ISB-led study of Miller syndrome. From the sequencing, the group was able to identify the causal mutation in that disease (IS 3/16/2010).
"Partnering with Complete Genomics for our human sequencing needs has allowed us to focus on data analysis and interpretation while avoiding major capital expense, pipeline building, and technology development," said ISB President Leroy Hood in a statement.
Financial terms for the agreement were not disclosed.