Applied Maths launches software for high throughput automated Heteroduplex Analysis on Applied Biosystems capillary Genetic Analyzers

Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium, December 14, 2005 – Applied Maths BVBA today announces the release of a specialized software tool for high-throughput automated heteroduplex analysis of Conformation-Sensitive Capillary Electrophoresis (CSCE) Data obtained on Applied Biosystems capillary genetic analyzers. CSCE has proven to be a sensitive and promising high-throughput mutation screening technique for use in a number of diagnostic applications such as screening for hereditary diseases and cancers, but also for research oriented applications such as human genetics, plant breeding, bacteriology, etc. The degree of automation and the throughput capacity of the genetic analyzers as well as the accuracy of the data obtained allow large quantities of samples to be tested reliably for mutations, so that the sequencing workload can be reduced to the confirmation of potential mutants.

A critical factor in a high-throughput screening setup is the availability of adequate software, providing the tools to process the massive amounts of data in a reliable and automated way. In collaboration with Applied Biosystems Europe and three reference testing labs in the U.K. and the Netherlands, Applied Maths has built a highly specialized plug­in for automated high-throughput CSCE analysis on its renowned BioNumerics platform. The BioNumerics platform is a comprehensive software suite, designed for databasing and analysis of all types of biological data. The software is built on three cornerstones: (1) a flexible and extensible database platform, (2) generic tools to process and analyze all major types of biological data, and (3) a powerful script language that allows highly specialized custom applications to be developed. The CSCE analysis software is a plugin application that can be installed on a BioNumerics SQL database. The software can process thousands of CSCE trace files automatically and employs sophisticated pattern matching algorithms to compare non-reference to reference peaks. The results are presented in surveyable report windows, from which potential mutants and problem cases can be read easily.

An Application Note on the BioNumerics CSCE analysis software can be downloaded from the Applied Maths website.

About Applied Maths

Applied Maths develops cutting-edge software for the biosciences and offers a uniquely complete portfolio of Bioinformatics applications. The cornerstone for Applied Maths' success is BioNumerics, a software suite for integrated analysis of biodata that has grown into a universal platform for bio-databasing and analysis and is in use in thousands of research and diagnostics settings worldwide. The unique strength of Applied Maths lies in the non-obvious combination of bio(techno)logical and mathematical know-how. For more information, visit www.applied-maths.com.

Applied Maths and BioNumerics are registered trademarks of Applied Maths BVBA. Other company or product names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.