The Genome Institute of Singapore and Oxford Biodynamics Pte have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop the EpiSwitchTM technology that can discover the epigenetic signature of stem cells and cell lines
Singapore, 10 May 2013 – The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) will collaborate to identify epigenetic signatures utilising OBD’s proprietary EpiSwitchTM biomarker discovery platform that can robustly differentiate or confirm the epigenetic footprint of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs), Embryonic Stem Cells (EC-ESCs) or Progenitor Cells from representative cell lines.
Epigenetic regulation in human cells is responsible for a large spectrum of inheritable, programmed changes in gene activities and the biochemical properties of the cells. Epigenetic regulation does not alter the original genetic information encoded in every human cell, hence the Greek prefix epi- (ἐπί), which brings the meaning of “beyond-” or “post-genetics”.
Monitoring the epigenetic status of the cell becomes fundamentally important for the correct assessment of its properties, functions and any signs of pathologies or abnormalities.
The EpiSwitchTM platform is a unique world class industrial platform that allows scientists to discover and monitor highly specific epigenetic biomarkers, called chromosome conformation signatures, which define and control key aspects of epigenetic and gene regulation.
The new collaboration is an important advancement for current stem technology, as the control of the quality of epigenetic differentiation of stem cells remains one of the most important problems. In their first and immediate application EpiSwitchTM biomarkers will provide a quick and efficient tool to monitor the quality and safety of IPSCs.
GIS Executive Director Prof Huck Hui Ng said, “Epigenomics is an exciting frontier for biological research and it offers a new perspective to analyse the human genome. We are very pleased to partner with Oxford BioDynamics to employ their EpiSwitch technology for applications in stem cell differentiation.”
Oxford Biodynamics CEO, Christian Hoyer Millar said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with GIS. GIS is one of the leading influences worldwide in the development of stem cell technology. Singapore’s focus on adoption of new technologies, like EpiSwitchTM, has been instrumental in translation of latest epigenetic scientific advances into practical industrial applications in health-care and drug development.”
Contacts:
Christian Hoyer Millar
Oxford Biodynamics Limited
26,Beaumont Street,
Oxford OX12NP
England
+441865518910
Winnie Serah Lim (Ms)
Genome Institute of Singapore
Office of Corporate Communications
Tel: (65) 6808 8013
Email: limcp2@gis.a-star.edu.sg