PCR-based Workflow Cost-effectively Captures Details of Genetic Variation in Biological Samples

CARLSBAD, Calif.–Applied Biosystems, part of Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE), today announced the launch of genomic analysis tools that will help researchers in studies that associate genetic variation with specific diseases. These new tools, known as the MeltDoctor™ High-Resolution Melt (HRM) Reagents, are for research use only and are part of a PCR-based workflow that enables researchers to cost-effectively scan DNA from a variety of biological sample types to detect the smallest genetic variations among samples.

The MeltDoctor HRM Reagents facilitate high resolution melt, or HRM analysis, which is a powerful technique for the detection of mutations, polymorphisms and epigenetic differences in double-stranded DNA samples. These reagents enable the characterization of variant nucleic acid sequences for advanced genomics applications such as mutation scanning, genotyping, and methylation analysis. These tools, including software, are part of an HRM analysis workflow optimized for Applied Biosystems real-time PCR systems that is simple to perform, requiring minimal quantities of both sample and reagent to capture a significantly greater amount of detail and information for variant types, without the complexity and expense of other methods.

HRM analysis is emerging as a technique of choice among genomics researchers and is one of several different analysis methods offered by the Genomics Core Lab at the Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer at the University of Montreal. The IRIC Genomics Core Facility has been using an early-access version of the MeltDoctor HRM Reagents to simplify SNP analyses and to characterize new variants in candidate genes for immunology and cancer research studies.

Pierre Chagnon, Ph.D., Director of Genomics Core Facilities, IRIC, University of Montreal

“We have developed a melt analysis workflow for SNP analyses that includes the MeltDoctor HRM analysis reagents. This workflow helps us to deliver cost-effective, rapid genotyping projects for our core lab customers. The reagents are easy to use, as they do not require chemical optimization, and quickly generate accurate results for our customers the first time they submit their research samples.”

John Gerace, Vice President and General Manager of Life Technologies’ PCR Systems Business

“Applied Biosystems is dedicated to expanding the applications of our industry-leading portfolio of PCR tools for advanced genomics. The MeltDoctor High Resolution Melt Reagents significantly enhance HRM analysis, while broadening our offerings for technologies that contribute to the understanding of genetic variation for translational research applications that study the relationship between genomics and diseases.”

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About Applied Biosystems Products

Life Technologies’ Applied Biosystems brand is a global leader in providing innovative, optimized instrument systems and workflows to accelerate academic and clinical research, drug discovery and development, pathogen detection and forensic DNA analysis. Through its Applied Biosystems and Invitrogen brand of reagents, kits and bench-top devices, Life Technologies markets the most comprehensive portfolio of solutions for molecular and cell biology. Applied Biosystems and Invitrogen products are used in nearly every major laboratory in the world. For more information, please visit: www.appliedbiosystems.com and www.invitrogen.com.

About Life Technologies

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research, and 21st century forensics. Life Technologies had sales of more than $3 billion in 2008, employs approximately 9,500 people, has a presence in more than 100 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of approximately 3,600 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc. For more information on how we are making a difference please visit our website: www.lifetechnologies.com.

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For Research Use Only. Not intended for animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.

Copyright 2009. Life Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. MeltDoctor is a trademark, and Applied Biosystems is a registered trademark of Life Technologies or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or certain other countries.