Product category:
Nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis
News Release from: Syngene | Subject: GeneGenius
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 29 January 2004
Developing effective and inexpensive
anti-venom
Automated image analyser is allowing scientists at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to rapidly check the quality of DNA being used to generate life saving anti-venom
Syngene reports that its GeneGenius automated image analyser is allowing scientists at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to rapidly check the quality of DNA being used to generate life saving anti-venom Researchers in the Alistair Reid venom research unit at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine are using the Syngene GeneGenius to check the quality and quantity of DNA derived from genes encoding metalloprotease, C-type lectin, phospholipase A2, disintegrin and serine protease snake venom toxins of the three most medically-important viper species in Africa
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 19 Oct 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New image analysis system
Syngene has introduced its new Genius range of image analysis systems, the world's first CCD system to use Firewire for chemiluminescent and fluorescent applications, at Biotechnica
Analytica preview: Syngene
Compact image analysis systems use advanced camera technology to capture faint images to give impressive results with DNA or protein gels and blots
Using this DNA the scientists are immunising mice to produce antibodies which will neutralise the venom.
It is hoped that these antibodies can be further developed as broad use anti-venom.
A DNA immunisation approach is less expensive than traditional methods of producing anti-venom and will therefore make it affordable in countries such as Africa, where death caused by vipers is common (20,000 per annum).
Robert Harrison, research fellow in the Alistair Reid venom research unit, explained: "The GeneGenius is used by around 30 people, mainly to quality check PCR products on ethidium bromide stained gels.
"We chose it because it is cheaper than a high end Polaroid system and has the advantage of recording each gel.
"The system offers a convenient way of storing images, which is useful because it means we do not have to digitise Polaroid images by scanning them in.
"This makes tracking every result easier and looking at raw data quicker.
"If our anti-venom is going to be used in clinical trials there have to be reliable records of the pre-clinical work and the GeneGenius provides this security". Request a free brochure from Syngene ...
• Syngene: 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
