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Large DNA microarray dataset is made publicly available by LGC and the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI)

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18.02.2005

As the next phase of DTI’s Measurements for Biotechnology (MfB) programme to 2007 gets underway, a large DNA microarray dataset generated by an LGC-led consortium during the first phase is now freely available online at ArrayExpress, a leading public repository managed by the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). The sharing of well-annotated data is a primary objective of the Microarray Gene Expression Data (MGED) Society and this repository is stored in accordance with MGED recommendations.

Since the mid-1990s, DNA microarray technology has developed into a major tool for the investigation of global gene expression for all aspects of human disease. The technology is currently being explored for its efficacy in genomic approaches to toxicology. As toxicity is still the major cause of failure in clinical trials, there is strong industry interest in improved models for predictive toxicology.

Dr Carole Foy of LGC’s Bio-Molecular Innovation group said: "This dataset is a significant milestone from the MfB project, ‘Comparability of gene expression measurements,’ completed in 2004. It is a tribute to everyone involved in the consortium - NPL, Human Genome Mapping Project, Oxford Biomedica, Renovo and Royal London Hospital - that other scientists and analysts can now access this valuable data.

"So that the performance of microarrays can be maximised, LGC is working with the EBI in the current MfB programme on the project, ‘Toxicogenomics: Quality metrics for improving microarray based measurements,’ under the new Gene Measurement theme," she added.

The dataset produced by the LGC-led consortium relates to four commercially available arrays that probe the human genome, with between 4,000 and 30,000 genes probed per array. LGC measured gene expression status on 24 replicate arrays for each manufacturer, comparing a brain sample to a universal reference sample. NPL then contributed to the subsequent data analysis and normalisation in which nearly 700 text files containing well over eight million rows of microarray data were created. The dataset can be accessed at www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress.

About LGC

LGC (www.lgc.co.uk) is Europe’s leading independent analytical laboratory providing advanced chemical, biochemical and forensic analysis, diagnostic services, DNA testing and genetic screening, research, method development, consultancy, training and analytical outsourcing. LGC operates in a diverse range of markets, in both the public and private sectors, including foods, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environment and chemicals and is the national measurement laboratory for chemical and biochemical analysis. Reference materials supplied by our market-leading distribution business, LGC Promochem, underpin the quality of measurement in many industrial sectors. LGC Promochem distributes reference standards and ATCC biomaterials throughout Europe and in India. Growing at around 15% per annum and majority-owned by Legal & General Ventures since April 2004, LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with additional laboratory facilities in Runcorn, Cheshire, in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Luckenwalde, Germany. Further offices are located in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and India.

About the Measurements for Biotechnology (MfB) programme:

The MfB programme (www.mfbprog.org) supports the UK’s National Measurement System and is funded by DTI. It aims to develop a robust international biological measurement system, capable of sustaining a safe and competitive bioindustry. LGC and NPL formulate the technical programme, in liaison with the BioIndustry Association (BIA), and lead the collaborative projects with industry. There are four themes for 2004-07: Cell-based testing; Gene measurement; Product characterisation; and Protein measurement. Progress made in the first years of the MfB programme (2001-04) is documented in Better Measurement for Biotechnology, produced by the BIA. Copies available from the BioIndustry Association (Tel: 020 7565 7190. Email: bblaney@bioindustry.org. Web: www.bioindustry.org).

About the BioIndustry Association:

Established in 1989, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) exists to encourage and promote a financially sound and thriving bioscience sector within the UK economy and concentrates its efforts on emerging enterprise and the related interests of companies with whom such enterprise trades. With over 350 members, the BIA supports a wide range of sectors, majoring on the human health benefits of the technology and represents the interests of these innovative companies to a broad section of stakeholders from patient groups to politicians, advancing its members interests both within the UK and internationally to create a healthy UK bioscience sector which benefits society.

Imelda Topping | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.lgc.co.uk
www.bioindustry.org
www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress

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