Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Sigma-Aldrich Launches Breakthrough Genome-Editing Tools

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Abstract:
Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL) today launched its CompoZr(TM) platform of zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) reagents. The CompoZr ZFN platform of reagents is expected to provide researchers with the ability to target and precisely manipulate the genome of living cells, resulting in cell lines or whole organisms with defined gene deletions, insertions, or corrections. Initially offered as a customized service for developing ZFNs for specific gene targets, the CompoZr ZFN platform will eventually include ZFN-based kits for targeted transgene insertion and a catalog of off-the-shelf reagents for commonly studied gene targets, gene families, and pathways. Applications for Sigma's new platform technology include creation of knockout and knock-in cell lines, cell lines that yield significantly greater amounts of protein, and novel transgenic animal models.

Sigma-Aldrich Launches Breakthrough Genome-Editing Tools

ST. LOUIS, MO | Posted on September 16th, 2008

ZFN reagents are a class of engineered DNA-binding proteins that facilitate targeted editing of the genome within a living cell by creating double-strand breaks in DNA at user-specified locations. Double-strand breaks stimulate the cell's natural DNA-repair processes, namely homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining, to induce site-specific mutagenesis. Using CompoZr reagents, researchers can, for the first time, generate precisely targeted genomic edits using a rapid, single-step procedure, resulting in cell lines with permanent and heritable gene deletions, insertions, or modifications. Additionally, Sigma-Aldrich is collaborating with leading academic researchers to demonstrate the effectiveness of ZFNs in the creation of whole animal knockout models in mice and other species, including rats and rabbits.

"Zinc Finger Nuclease technology has held significant promise for more than a decade and is now mature enough to fundamentally alter the way in which research on living cells and organisms is conducted," said Dr. David Smoller, President of Sigma-Aldrich's Research Biotech Business Unit. "By refining ZFN production methods and utilizing our established distribution capabilities, Sigma-Aldrich is making this exciting technology available to life science researchers worldwide."

By facilitating the creation of complete gene knockout and knock-in somatic, embryonic and primary cell lines, ZFNs allow researchers to precisely determine the biological function of a gene in more relevant backgrounds. It is anticipated that ZFN-mediated genome editing could be used to generate novel animal models of disease that more closely mimic human disease, as well as providing more realistic data on the potential toxicity of new drug compounds. For biopharmaceutical manufacturers, ZFNs will enable the creation of cell lines with improved growth characteristics, altered glycosylation properties, and other traits resulting in higher yields.

Through its exclusive partnership with Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO), the pioneer in zinc finger nuclease research, Sigma Life Science is the sole source of validated research reagents incorporating ZFN technology. Sigma Life Science employs high-throughput production methods to create customized ZFN reagents for user-specified gene targets in just six to eight weeks. All CompoZr reagents are functionally validated in a cell line appropriate for the intended organism of interest, and customers are provided with full protocols for use of their reagents and troubleshooting support from Sigma Life Science's experienced technical team.

Sigma-Aldrich has invested over $60 million in its Life Science and High Technology Center in St. Louis, where over 200 scientists work to transform cutting-edge research into first-to-market products that are key to researchers' work in the fields of functional genomics, proteomics and cell biology using its market-leading RNA interference tools, whole genome amplification technology and comprehensive Prestige Antibody(TM) portfolio.

For more information on Sigma-Aldrich's CompoZr zinc finger nuclease technology platform, visit www.compozrzfn.com or contact a sales representative at zfn@sial.com .

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About Sigma-Aldrich
igma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Our biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical and other high technology manufacturing. We have customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use our products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 36 countries and has 8,000 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service.

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