Proteome releases BioinformatIQ update, extends Huntington's collaboration

Sydney-based proteomics company Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has released a standalone software package for proteomics research and analysis, Version 3.0 of BioinformatIQ. Its first customer was the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Australia's Major National Research Facility for functional proteomics .

"We've increased workflow flexibility, can now integrate a wide range of instrumentation and mass spectrometers, and can interface with leading image analysis packages," said Proteome Systems' Head of Informatics Michel Poelman.

The system uses IBM databases to automate data analysis and can store terabytes of data.

Huntington's collaborators forge ahead

The collaboration between Proteome Systems and US-based High Q Foundation has begun to yield results, with Proteome Systems reporting that scientists have been able to detect changes in protein expression which provide clues to the molecular basis of Huntington's disease -- an inherited and fatal neurological disease.

The partnership will now be expanded to investigate biomarkers which could be used to develop clinical tests for monitoring the onset and progression of the disease.

Proteome Systems will receive technology access fees and milestone payments under a new 18-month extension of the collaboration of up to US$3 million.