The ULS arrayCGH labelling kits offers its proprietary ULS labelling molecule that is bound to a choice of fluorescent dye pairs that have been licensed by Kreatech. The ULS labelling of nucleic acids incorporates a procedure that is completed within 30 minutes - a significant advantage to scientists involved in drug research and development
"The possibility of analysing genomic DNA directly without the need to amplify is a very attractive feature to many researchers, not only does it save time but it also removes the potentially biasing enzymatic step that is currently required in order to label genomic samples," according to Ted van der Lende, director of product development
The Universal Linkage System (ULS) is a Kreatech's proprietary labelling technology that has been designed for arrayCGH analysis on DNA arrays. The kit allows the user to label genomic DNA directly in a one step labelling reaction that avoids the need for an enzymatic step.
ULS technology is based on the stable binding properties of a platinum complex to biomolecules. At its reactive site, ULS will react with genomic DNA and label it by formation of a coordinative bond on the N7 position of guanine.
A detection component, such as a fluorophore, is linked via a spacer to the ULS molecule. ULS thereby enables one-step chemical labelling of nucleic acids to be achieved within 15 minutes. The ULS labelling efficiency is independent of fragment length making it ideal for use with archival DNA.
Labelling can be performed both with enzymatic amplification ("cold" random prime reaction with nonmodified dNTPs) and without enzymatic amplification prior to ULS labelling.
Genomes mapping efforts and microarray technologies have become key tools for detection of chromosomal imbalances. With the advent of BAC and oligo DNA microarrays, an unprecedented high resolution (<1 Mb) for whole genome scanning within one single experiment has now become feasible.
Brent Keller, acting commercial director for Kreatech said: "Our decision to make available arrayCGH labelling kits that offers a choice of fluorescent dye pairs from dye manufacturers is consistent with our strategy to offer ULS technology independent of array platform used and the labels that researchers work with."
"ULS can eliminate the concern over matching arrays and labels with the offering of every manufacturer," he added.
The fluorescent dye pairs, which have been licensed by Kreatech include dyes from GE Healthcare/Amersham (CyDyes), Perkin Elmer (Cyanine Dyes) and Dyomics (DYDyes). The complete labelling kits include purification columns (KREApure), blocking buffer (KREAblock) and hybridisation buffers.