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Ann Arbor's Rubicon Partership To Speed Sample Prep For RNA Sequencing

ANN ARBOR -- Ann Arbor-based Rubicon Genomics Inc. announced Thursday a partnership with Mountain View, Calif.-based Clontech Laboratories Inc. to integrate the two companies' technology to boost the efficiency and quality of RNA sample preparation for next-generation sequencing.

There is a need for RNA sequencing methods that provide accurate transcript information when sample quantity is limiting -- for example, in studies on single cells or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.

The launch of Clontech's Smarter Universal Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit, which combines ThruPlex technology with Clontech's Smarter Universal Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing, provides an improved method to generate libraries for transcriptome analysis from very low amounts of total RNA, including compromised or non-polyadrenylated RNA samples.

Rubicon's Thruplex technology incorporates a streamlined one-tube, three-step process without intermediate purifications, transfers, columns or gels. The reduced steps and material transfers decrease the likelihood of experimental variability, bias and contamination. Thruplex technology is designed and validated for use with samples with very low inputs, between 50 picograms and 50 nanograms of input DNA, and is a perfect partner downstream of the Smarter kits for RNA-seqquencing.

The technology is currently available for sequencing on Illumina HiSeq, MiSeq and Genome Analyzer instruments.

Clontech Laboratories is a subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc. It develops, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of life science research reagents under the Clontech and Takara brands. More at www.clontech.com or www.takara-bio.com.

Rubicon Genomics, Inc. is a leader in the development and commercialization of sample-specific pre-analytical processes to improve the performance and capabilities of DNA and RNA analytical platforms for research and clinical testing. The company's core competency is the creation of more efficient molecular biology tools for genetic, epigenetic and expression analysis of difficult clinical samples to facilitate gene-based research, drug development, diagnostics and forensics. More at www.rubicongenomics.com.

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