Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 8, 2006 -- Reveo, Inc. announces at NanoTech 2006 that
it has teamed with the University of Washington to develop a breakthrough invention
for rapid sequencing of DNA using novel nano-scale electronic and photonic effects
that allow for bypassing many biochemical steps necessary in conventional DNA
sequencing methods. The team will demonstrate proof of concept. The ultimate
goal of this effort is to produce affordable and easy-to-use commercial products.
Access to a rapid, accurate, simple to use, and portable DNA sequencer has enormous
potentials for impacting a number of areas:
1. Allowing for on-site sequencing for field-biology. Such
a revolutionary capability will change the way field-biology is conducted today.
The portable sequencer can aid in cataloguing the biodiversity of the planet
and in preservation efforts.
2. Allowing for cost-effective sequencing of a large number
of genomes hence producing sizable libraries. Forming such libraries is the critical
step for developing personalized medicine by establishing the connection between
genotypes and phenotypes. The sequencer can potentially aid in fundamentally
changing the way medicine is practiced today.
The human genome consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each chromosome is made
of long double helix strands; in total the human genome contains the codes for
approximately 30,000 genes. The codes are in the form of sequencers of four base
molecules called nucleotides (A,T,C,G). These molecules have important properties
of Watson-Crick pairing which allow A to only hybridize with T to form base-pair
A-T, and C to only hybridize with G to form base-pair C-G. It is these pairing
properties that enable the DNA to have its double helix conformation. The genes,
through their unique sequence of base-pairs contain the blueprint or the architecture
of how humans and, indeed, all species are built and how their life functions
are controlled. Different genes control different functions. The life functions
can be disrupted or disturbed by diseases when the proper sequence is altered.
Known as mutation, these alterations are caused by many external influences,
including the environmental conditions, and may be passed on to the future generations.
Sequencing the entire genome of an individual (measuring approximately three
billion base pairs) using the state-of-the-art tools predominantly based on the
Sanger method requires months and costs tens of millions of dollars. Realizing
the enormous significance and the potential for benefiting humanity by lowering
the cost from millions of dollars to a few dollars and reducing the sequencing
time from months to hours, substantial world-wide efforts are underway to find
alternative sequencing tools.
“Our invention, which is covered by several issued and pending patents, has the
potential of achieving the result for microbial genome in minutes and for pennies
in a portable device,” declared Dr. Sadeg Faris, an inventor of the novel method,
and the founder and CEO of Reveo, Inc. Dr. Faris added, “I have confidence that
this new sequencing tool is realizable, since it is analogous to a tool I had
previously invented and commercialized, the world's fastest oscilloscope, the
Pico-second Signal Processor (PSP-1000), that continues to hold the speed record
to this date. The analogy between the oscilloscope and the new DNA sequencing
tool can simply be understood by replacing the ultra high resolution in time
with one in space.” Armed with this analogy, the inventor differentiates his
new tool from all other sequencing tools, which are based on cumbersome multiple
biochemical steps.
The University of Washington ( www.washington.edu )
brings to the collaboration a tradition of excellence and world-renown pioneering
contributions in genomic sciences. Professor Babak Parviz, director of the Nanosystems
Laboratory and a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering at
the University of Washington, will lead the effort. His team studies the interaction
of DNA and other biomolecules with nanostructures and investigates molecular
signatures. He expresses his enthusiasm regarding the recently announced partnership
by commenting: “We are very excited about this opportunity. The substantial financial
support provided to the University by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation allows
us to move very aggressively and significantly shorten the time between a laboratory
demonstration and a prototype. We have investigated a number of methods to acquire
electronic signatures from DNA strands, proteins, and other molecules. We are
confident that the unique combination of the multi-disciplinary expertise in
our research teams, and the invaluable knowledge provided by Reveo Inc. will
transition ideas to the market.”
This breakthrough invention is presented at NanoTech 2006, which is focusing
on nanotechnology and novel applications. Since the key enabling technology of
the sequencer involves making nano probe arrays, Reveo's announcement of this
project is intended to attract other strategic partners.
For additional information please visit www.reveo.com
Contact:
Pat Barr
Reveo, Inc.
3 Westchester Plaza
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-345-9555
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