Novel Single-Cell Whole Genome Amplification Technology Made Commercially Available at ASHG 2020

BioSkryb, a US-based developer of genomic amplification technologies, now offers its ResolveDNA product line for the accurate and uniform reproduction of single-cell genomes for commercial use. The product line incorporates novel primary template-directed amplification (PTA) technology, which captures more than 95% of the genomes of single cells, providing high-quality, scalable analysis of single-cell genomic heterogeneity. The company launched the product line at the American Society Human Genetics (ASHG) 2020 conference, held virtually from Oct. 27–30, 2020.

It is expected that this proprietary technology will enable new insights into human disease at the cellular level, the company stated in an Oct. 26, 2020 press release. A poster presented by BioSkryb at the conference also demonstrated the use of PTA technology to study genetic variants that drive therapeutic resistance. The poster, “Primary template-directed amplification for single-cell elucidation of targeted therapy resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia and triple-negative breast cancer,” is available for viewing at ASHG 2020 (Session 202: Cancer, Abstract 2406).

Whole genome amplification (WGA) is a requirement for the analysis of low-input DNA and single-cells analysis, but current WGA technologies cover only a fraction of the genome. Current technologies also have a limited capacity to detect genetic variation in each cell, according to BioSkryb. The company’s novel PTA technology accurately calls variants in genomes in addition to reproducibly captures more than 95% of single-cell genomes. PTA does this in a more consistent and accurate manner than existing approaches, the company stated in its press release.

“Single-cell approaches are imperative to understanding, diagnosing, and treating human diseases involving genomic heterogeneity, like cancer,” said Jay West, PhD, CEO, and co-founder of BioSkryb, in the press release. “With our ResolveDNA products, researchers can accurately and efficiently decipher genetic diversity at the cellular level to make transformative discoveries that improve human health.”

“The BioSkryb team was a great partner in assisting us with single-cell sequencing and analysis. They were responsive to our unique needs and we felt confident in the high quality of the sequencing data and analysis that we received. The results and insights their technology provided far exceeded our expectations, and BioSkryb’s commitment to supporting us in our fight against cancer using cell and gene therapies was present every step of the way,” said Susan Nichols, CEO of Falcon Therapeutics, in the press release.

Source: BioSkryb​