Third Wave’s Invader technology is capable of identifying and quantitating low levels of unique RNAs directly from total RNA or crude cell samples called cell lysates, according to findings published in the July issue of Nature Biotechnology. Direct detection of gene expression levels with Invader technology eliminates several costly, time-consuming steps required by other technologies and minimizes the risk of sample contamination.
"The ability to analyze for RNA easily and directly, without complicated procedures that can contaminate the sample, is a significant advance in RNA detection technology and the efforts to understand diseases and develop drugs to treat them," said Lance Fors, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Third Wave Technologies.
Key Findings Reported in Nature Biotechnology: RNA Invader Assay
RNA is the body’s medium for translating an individual’s genetic blueprint, found in one’s DNA, into all the proteins in the body, including those that fight disease, metabolize drugs and perform a host of other critical functions. Many gene families, like the important cytochrome P450 family responsible for metabolizing drugs and toxic compounds, generate nearly identical RNA sequences that produce proteins with different functions and effects on the body. The Invader assay’s ability to discriminate between nearly identical RNA sequences allows researchers to identify a specific RNA target with consistency, accuracy and precision.
The ease and accuracy in measuring gene expression provided by the RNA Invader assay are vital to accelerating research to understand disease progression and develop new drugs. The assay’s ability to detect low levels of RNA also provides potential for first detecting and then monitoring the treatment of infectious diseases like HIV more quickly than now possible.
The Invader technology will ultimately allow health care professionals to personalize diagnosis and treatment of disease based on the unique genetic make-up of each patient.
"The true power of the RNA Invader assay is the coupling of its accuracy, precision and sensitivity with its ease of use and versatility across a number of existing instrumentation platforms," Fors said. "The RNA Invader assay’s characteristics make it ideal for the high-volume gene expression monitoring needed for genome research and drug development and open a large, existing market to Third Wave."
The authors of the Nature Biotechnology paper are Third Wave scientists Peggy Eis, Marilyn Olson, Tsetska Takova, Michelle Curtis, Sarah Olson, Tatiana Vener, Hon Ip, Kevin Vedvik, Christian Bartholomay, Hatim Allawi, Wu-Po Ma, Jeff Hall, Michelle Morin, Victor Lyamichev and Robert Kwiatkowski and Tom Rushmore of Merck Research Laboratories.
Third Wave is a leading developer and provider of DNA and RNA analysis products for use in genome research, pharmacogenomics and clinical applications. For more information on Third Wave and its products, please visit Third Wave’s website at www.twt.com.
All statements in this news release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Such forward-looking statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially for Third Wave from those projected. Those factors include risks and uncertainties relating to technological approaches of Third Wave and its competitors, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of Third Wave products, dependence on collaborative partners and commercial customers, successful performance under collaborative and commercial agreements, competition, the strength of the Third Wave intellectual property, the intellectual property of others and other risk factors identified in the documents Third Wave has filed, or will file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the Third Wave filings with the SEC may be obtained from the SEC internet site at www.sec.gov. Third Wave expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Third Wave’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based. Third Wave Technologies, Invader and the Third Wave logo are registered trademarks used by Third Wave Technologies, Inc.
Nature Biotechnology