RainDance ™s Ultra-Deep Resequencing application enables the use of the company ™s PCR-based Sequence Enrichment Solution to accurately characterize rare variants in highly heterogeneous samples, such as those found in cancer tumors. Studies suggest that rare genetic variants may play significant roles in tumorigenesis, pathogenesis, and disease progression. Previously, ultra-deep resequencing of heterogeneous samples with standard PCR approaches has been difficult because of the loss of accurate DNA representation.

The unique compartmentalization capability of our RainStorm microdroplet-based technology provides highly efficient amplification of all sequence variants in the sample, McNary said. This ensures that accurate representation and a high depth of coverage are maintained for ultra-low frequency variants.

Both the Methyl-Seq and Ultra-Deep Resequencing applications will be commercially available during the first half of 2010. They will utilize the RDT 1000 system ™s proven consumables and reagents.

The capabilities of these new applications, plus the expanded-content DNA primer libraries and WGA sample protocols announced last month, make the RDT 1000 a highly flexible genomic research platform that easily integrates with any next-generation sequencing workflow, said McNary. Both the Methyl-Seq and Ultra-Deep Resequencing applications are simple to use and integrate seamlessly with our Sequence Enrichment Solution. Our applications will help researchers rethink their approaches to discovery as they unlock the cures for the world ™s most devastating diseases, he said.

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