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Transcriptome analysis of single cells and meta-transcriptomes
The work and the results of the "IdentiGene" project are to be used as the basis for a technology platform to be developed for gene expression analysis which sets new standards with respect to sensitivity, possibilities for integrating it into automated processes and standardization of the resulting data. This will make it possible to carry out global gene expression profiles on individual cells as well as so-called meta-transcriptome analyses on complex systems of any eukaryotic organisms. This requires the development of special methods of sample preparation which can amplify sufficient quantities of an analyte which is available only in minute amounts from biological sample material for use in the analyses. The sample material thus processed will be completely characterized with the aid of so-called parallel sequencers of the latest generation. The data generated in this way can subsequently be used for the calculation of the qualitative and quantitative expression of all genes. The use of parallel sequencers produces a high degree of reproducibility, which is the basic prerequisite for a comparability of the quantitative data across platforms and laboratories. Additionally, the analyses based on this technology can be extremely well integrated into automated processes.
GATC’s task:
Within the framework of this project, the Fraunhofer Institute as project partner is entrusted with the development of suitable protocols for the preparation of cDNA libraries from minute quantities of analyte. The libraries will then be sequenced on sequencing systems of the latest generation (Next Generation). GATC supports this process by qualitatively assessing the libraries and thus supporting the optimization process of the protocols. Libraries with good quality assessment are then sequenced using the various technologies, the resulting data are processed, validated and cross-correlated.
Participating partners:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Stuttgart
- Hölle & Hüttner AG, Tuebingen
- GATC Biotech, Constance
