OGT releases targeted NGS panel to study SNV and CNV in FH

Oxford, UK – 08 December 2016. OGT, The Molecular Genetics Company, has expanded its NGS panel range with the launch of the CytoSure^® FH Panel – allowing fast and cost-effective study of variants in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The new panel delivers both single nucleotide variation (SNV) and copy number variation (CNV) detection on a single small NGS panel assay and allows customization by ‘mix and match’ of fully-tested and optimized gene and hotspot content. This includes all exons for LDLR, PCSK9, APOB, LDLRAP1, APOE, LIPA and STAP1 and a further 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This enables researchers to selectively sequence relevant regions, increasing throughput and saving on reagents.

FH is characterized by high LDL levels leading to early-onset coronary artery disease — treatable with statins. It is well characterized at the molecular level with various genes and multiple point mutations described. Analysis of mutations is often time-consuming when performed by multiple PCR or Sanger sequencing reactions and around 5-10% of mutations are due to CNVs, requiring further detection by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA).

In order to cost-effectively streamline detection, OGT’s FH panel will allow sequencing of all relevant gene regions in one assay. In addition, hybridisation-based enrichment delivers unparalleled completeness and uniformity of coverage, removing the need for supplementary fill-in by Sanger sequencing and enabling simultaneous detection of SNVs and CNVs. Detection of CNVs has shown complete concordance with microarray results (the gold standard for CNV detection) in all samples tested by OGT. This means that researchers can analyse CNVs with confidence, removing the need for additional MLPA testing, saving time and costs. OGT also has customizable CytoSure microarrays available for downstream CNV confirmation.

Dr Mafalda Bourbon, Head of the Cardiovascular Research Group at the National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal, is using a custom FH panel and commented: “We were previously using another custom panel but found OGT’s custom FH panel much easier and more cost-effective to work with. From the start we worked very closely with OGT on the design of the panel and were impressed by the support they gave us, especially with the bioinformatics. The ability to call CNV from the NGS data as well as point mutations is also extremely valuable to us. The fact that the panel is pre-optimized has reduced the need for in-house optimization and decreased our assay development time.”

OGT EVP Marketing, Emma Shipstone, added: “Being able to confidently detect SNVs and CNVs on one panel is a big step forward. Our hybridization methodology and bait design expertise make this possible by ensuring our panels deliver outstanding completeness and uniformity of coverage. Areas of CNV can be easily identified within each sample — delivering an increased understanding of the sample more rapidly and cost-effectively for our customers.” 

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.