University of Barcelona Acquires Genome Sequencer FLX System to Boost Genomics Research

Strategic Insights -

The University of Barcelona (UB) has recently acquired a Genome Sequencer FLX System from 454 Life Sciences, a center of excellence of Roche Applied Science. This cutting-edge technology will be installed at the Genomics Unit of the Scientific and Technical Services (SCT) and will support over 110 research groups currently using the lab's equipment and technical knowledge. The applications of the Genome Sequencer FLX System will be diverse, including the identification of strategies for improving aquaculture production, studies on the vulnerability of benthonic populations, and post-genomic analyses of complex multicellular organisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Genome Sequencer FLX System will be used to support over 110 research groups at the University of Barcelona, providing them with access to cutting-edge genomics technology.
  • The system will be used to study various research projects, including aquaculture, benthonic populations, and complex multicellular organisms.
  • The main objective of these projects is to contribute to the future development of diagnostic tools with potential application in clinical practice.
  • The Genomics Unit of the SCT-UB has been granted full certification to ISO 9001:2000 and is an acknowledged laboratory in the register of Agro-Food Laboratories of Catalonia.
  • The SCT-UB offers its services to researchers from the University of Barcelona and other institutions, and is part of European research and technological reference networks, including the IT Network promoted by the Centre for Innovation and Business Development of the Catalan Government.
  • The 454 Sequencing system is a pioneering technology that has enabled hundreds of peer-reviewed studies in diverse research fields, including cancer and infectious disease research, drug discovery, marine biology, anthropology, paleontology, and many more.
  • Roche is a world-leading research-focused healthcare group in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, and has R&D agreements with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai.

Statistics:

  • The Genome Sequencer FLX System has the capacity to produce long, highly accurate sequence reads, including paired-end reads.
  • The system can be used for various applications, including de novo sequencing and re-sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, RNA analysis, and targeted sequencing of DNA regions of interest.
  • In 2008, Roche's Pharmaceuticals Division posted sales of 36.0 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 9.7 billion francs.
  • Roche has R&D agreements with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai.
  • Worldwide, Roche employs about 80,000 people.

Sources:

  • "454 Sequencing system now boosting genomics research at the University of Barcelona (UB)." (No date)
  • "About Roche." (No date)
  • "454 Life Sciences." (No date)
  • "Roche." (No date)
  • "ISO 9001:2000." (No date)
  • "Agro-Food Laboratories of Catalonia." (No date)
  • "IT Network." (No date)
  • "Centre for Innovation and Business Development of the Catalan Government." (No date)