Fluidigm Launches Single-Cell DNA Sequencing Workflow to Study Somatic Mutations in Heterogenous Samples

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fluidigm Corporation (FLDM) today announced a universal sample prep workflow for single-cell DNA sequencing that runs on its C1TM Single-Cell Auto Prep System. This workflow streamlines targeted, whole exome and whole genome sequencing in heterogeneous cell populations and enables researchers to discover and screen somatic mutations, such as SNP, small indels, and translocations.

Somatic mutations are non-inherited, random mutations that are accumulated over time and may play an important role in the origin and progression of complex diseases, such as aging, cancer, immunity, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Somatic mutations are often masked in sequencing of bulk tissue, leaving researchers with the risk of missing important, causal variants that elucidate disease mechanisms. Understanding somatic mutations can help identify more effective therapies, said Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm president and chief executive officer. The C1 DNA Sequencing workflow is the first to fully automate cell handling, imaging, staining, and whole genome amplification, all at a single-cell level. It enables researchers with a comprehensive suite of single-cell sequencing applications they can use to identify and screen novel DNA variants from heterogeneous samples at unprecedented resolution and speed, he added.

Human leukemia, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), is a genetically heterogeneous disease caused by the accumulation of somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. These mutations change the normal mechanisms of self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of cells in the blood and are highly variable between AML patients, said Paresh Vyas, MD/PhD and Hematologist at the MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, University of Oxford and Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. We can use the C1 DNA Sequencing workflow to detect genetic changes that identify clonal structures to more accurately classify tumors. This will lead to better understanding of prognosis including risk of recurrence and possibly even overall survival, Vyas explained.

From discovery of disease factors to validating the most effective treatment, researchers can now use the C1 Single-Cell DNA Sequencing workflow for:

The new workflow consists of the C1 Integrated Fluidic Circuits, C1 Reagent kit, and validated scripts, and also leverages the GE illustra GenomiPhi V2 DNA Amplification Kit for whole genome amplification. The C1 DNA Sequencing workflow will be further enhanced by Fluidigms SINGuLAR TM Analysis Toolset 3.0, which will include new features to filter, visualize, and rapidly identify biologically relevant variants. The toolset can also be used to create custom variant groups to fit the specific needs of any clinical researcher.

This workflow allows researchers to:

The targeted sequencing workflow is currently available for early access customers. The whole genome and whole exome applications is expected to be released in early 2014.

Use of Forward-Looking Statements

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Fluidigm Launches Single-Cell DNA Sequencing Workflow to Study Somatic Mutations in Heterogenous Samples