Affymetrix Launches Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip(R) Array for Malaria Study
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Affymetrix, Inc. today announced the launch of a Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip(R) Array, the first commercial array that can be used to simultaneously study the entire expressed genomes of both the host mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
The Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip Array interrogates over 22,000 transcripts and empowers scientists to understand the molecular dynamics of the parasite-host relationship, potentially leading to new interventions for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. The Plasmodium/Anopheles Genome GeneChip Array was developed in collaboration with the Malaria Research Institute at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
"This concomitant analysis of host-parasite gene expression will aid in our basic understanding of the complex relationship between the parasite and its insect vector," said Dr. Alan Scott of Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, who collaborated with the Affymetrix team on the array design.
Through a program sponsored by NIAID/NIH, the new array will be available to qualified, registered users of the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center (MR4) located at ATCC. The center was established in 1998 to provide quality malaria-related reagents, information and other critical resources to the international malaria research community. Announcements about the application procedure and number of arrays provided by MR4 will be sent to registered users and posted on MR4's home page at http://www.malaria.mr4.org . The array will also be available for direct purchase from Affymetrix.
"The power of Affymetrix technology to package the entire expressed genomes of multiple organisms on a single array -- host and pathogen in this case -- affords scientists the unique ability to ask new biological questions," said Lianne McLean, Affymetrix Director of Expression Marketing. "It also underscores the value of GeneChip arrays in situations that would otherwise require two separate designs on two separate arrays."
The new array will enable researchers to study the molecular networks required for Plasmodium parasite development and reveal unique targets and approaches for chemotherapeutic and immunological intervention. The array will also help researchers better understand many Plasmodium genes which have no known function, possibly generating novel targets for intervention.
The Plasmodium/Anopheles GeneChip array will also help scientists understand the patterns of gene expression in the mosquito vector and identify unique pathways that can be exploited to break transmission of malaria. By revealing these pathways, the array may also help researchers understand the spread of other mosquito-born pathogens, such as the dengue and West Nile viruses, and lead to new methods of manipulating or controlling mosquito populations.
Other news from the department research and development
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
