Garvan and Roche to collaborate on epigenomic analysis

Roche Sequencing and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have announced a collaboration to develop new technologies for targeted epigenomic analysis using DNA sequencing.

Genomics is focused on realising the potential use of sequencing information in patient diagnosis and treatment, while epigenetics - the heritable changes in gene expression that involve secondary chemical modifications of the DNA and the structural proteins in chromosomes - plays an important role in a host of biological processes. Due to the epigenomic events responsible for influencing expression of genes in chromosomes, more advanced methods are being sought to accurately analyse these changes.

Over two years, the Garvan Institute and Roche will collaborate to develop new methods to analyse regions of the epigenome, utilising the genomics expertise and infrastructure at Garvan and the products for target enrichment from Roche NimbleGen. Roche’s SeqCap Target Enrichment System will be used by scientists at the Garvan Institute to further their research in epigenetic influences on human diseases.

“This collaboration with the Garvan Institute illustrates the potential of SeqCap Target Enrichment products in additional sequencing applications for epigenetic research,” said Tom Albert, head of research at Roche’s sequencing unit.

Professor John Mattick, executive director of the Garvan Institute, added that the collaboration “will empower more research into human biology and disease and lead to many translational opportunities”.

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