Product category:
Genomics
News Release from: Roche Applied Science | Subject: 454 Sequencing technology
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 11 February 2008
Virus detected using genome sequencer
technology
Researchers at Columbia University and Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory have discovered a new virus that was responsible for the deaths of three transplant recipients
The research explains how the previously unknown virus, which is related to lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus, was found using the extremely rapid and sensitive 454 Sequencing technology and was published online in New England Journal of Medicine The study entitled, 'Discovery and implication of a novel arenavirus in a cluster of fatal transplant associated disease', describes how identification of this virus might enable improvements in screening that will enhance the safety of transplantation
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 25 Sep 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Sequencing start-up powered by Genome Sequencer 20
Genome Sequencer 20, based on 454 Sequencing technology, can perform sequencing runs up to 60 times faster than conventional commercially available platforms
Honeybee virus found through sequencing technology
Researchers at Columbia University have identified a virus implicated in the deaths of 2.4million honeybee colonies - tens of billions of bees - using 454 Life Sciences's Genome Sequencer system
Following the deaths of all three recipients of organs from a single donor, their illnesses were investigated by unbiased high throughput 454 Sequencing to reveal the presence of a previously undiscovered old world arenavirus.
The virus, similar to lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus and Kodoko virus, was subsequently confirmed in multiple clinical samples by PCR, viral culture and immunohistochemistry.
Results of the study implicate this new arenavirus as a human pathogen and support the use of high throughput sequencing in pathogen discovery.
Further reading
Boosting target ID in diarylquinoline research
The ultrafast Genome Sequencer 20 system from Roche Diagnostics finds its application in boosting target identification in diarylquinoline drug research
Ultrafast, genome-wide discovery of small RNAs
The ultrafast Genome Sequencer 20 system from Roche Applied Science, a business area of Roche Diagnostics, finds its application in ever-increasing fields of life science research
Human great ape genome and the evolution of man
Comparing DNA sequences in humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orang utans helps us gain a better understanding of the origin, time and early migrations of humans and their closest relatives
"Within a few days we had clues to the identity of the virus responsible for transplant deaths" said Ian Lipkin, lead author of the study and John Snow professor of epidemiology and professor of neurology and pathology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Mailman School of Public Health.
"We made this investigation highest priority.
"Our success reflected the tireless efforts of an extraordinary team of investigators representing academia, public health and industry, who brought all of their expertise and technology to bear on an important clinical problem".
"We are very satisfied to see that the Genome Sequencer system could quickly identify new viruses where other methods failed," said Manfred Baier, head of Roche Applied Science.
"This is another example for the potential of the 454 sequencing technology in various application areas.
"The identification of the virus is an important first step in a further enhancing the safety of transplantations".
"454 Sequencing enables researchers to quickly and affordably identify the organisms present in a complex sample without any prior knowledge of the pathogens present" said Michael Egholm, a co-author on the study and vice president of research and development at 454 Life Sciences.
"This metagenomics approach to pathogen identification may facilitate a more rapid response when the 'next Sars' emerges sometimes in the future".
Lymphocytic choreomeningits virus has been implicated in other transplant outbreaks; however, the newly discovered virus is sufficiently different that it could not be detected using existing screening and traditional sequencing methods all requiring prior knowledge of exact sequence of the suspected pathogen.
Over 30,000 organ transplants are performed in the USA each year.
Knowledge of the genetic sequence of this virus might enable improvements in screening that will enhance the safety of transplantation. Request a free brochure from Roche Applied Science ...
• Roche Applied Science: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Laboratorytalk email newsletter
• Laboratorytalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
