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NEWS of 2006

11.2006 Asper Ophthalmics will launch  new test for analysis of the Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa (AD-RP) in the end of November. 

The test will enable analysis of 347 mutations in 13 genes: CA4, FSCN2, IMPDH1, NRL, PRPF3, PRPF31, PRPF8, RDS, RHO, ROM1, RP1, RP9, CRX.
   

09.2006 New publications co-authored by Asper's scientists has been published:

Development of a Genotyping Microarray for Usher Syndrome
Cremers FP, Kimberling WJ, Kulm M, de Brouwer A, van Wijk E, Te Brinke H, Cremers CW, Hoefsloot LH, Banfi S, Simonelli F, Fleischhauer JC, Berger W, Kelley PM, Haralambous E, Bitner-Glindzicz M, Webster AR, Saihan Z, Debaere E, Leroy BP, Silvestri G, McKay G, Koenekoop RK, Millan JM, Rosenberg T, Joensuu T, Sankila EM, Weil D, Weston MD, Wissinger B, Kremer H.
J Med Genet. 2006 Sep 8

Simultaneous multigene mutation detection in patients with sensorineural hearing loss through a novel diagnostic microarray: a new approach for newborn screening follow-up.
Gardner P, Oitmaa E, Messner A, Hoefsloot L, Metspalu A, Schrijver I.
Pediatrics. 2006 Sep;118(3):985-94.

09.2006 New supportive services are available in Asper

Verification by DNA sequencing
To confirm the results with secondary method, Asper provides verification of the APEX findings by dideoxy sequencing. Sequencing will be performed under strict quality control regulations by professionally trained personnel on Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer.
Hard copies of the reports on official blank 
Asper can provide the formatted results on company’s official letter blank upon request. The hard copy will be signed and sealed by head of the lab and sent out by registered mail. 
Storage of DNA samples at Asper´s DNA bank
Asper always performs the screening with as limited amount of DNA as possible. If there will be enough remained DNA; it can be storaged in Asper’s DNA bank. The DNA can be used for further analysis by other tests or just for re-screening. The amount of remained DNA will be measured and report will be sent to partner. The data of DNA samples will be recorded in our laboratory information system and stored under strict quality controlled manner. 
Returning of DNA samples
The remained DNA can be also sent back to partners either by regular mail or by courier.  

08.2006 Asper Biotech announces the release of two new DNA tests - Cystic Fibrosis mutation detection test and DNA Repair test

Cystic Fibrosis test enables to analyze 204 known mutations in CFTR gene. It is  suitable for Cystic Fibrosis carrier screening and disease detection. Read more ...

DNA repair chip includes the 216 most studied SNPs within xenobiotic-metabolizing genes and it allows reconstructing the haplotypes for NAT1, NAT2, CYP2D6, CYP1B1, CYP1A1, CYP1A2 genes. 
The chip includes also most of the common variants for the DNA repair genes optimized for Caucasian populations. It includes homologous recombination of repair genes, as well as, base-excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, and MGMT. Moreover, it bears SNPs from several genes related to the control of cell cycle and apoptosis (including ATM, BRCA1 BRCA2, p16, CDKN1a, CDKN2A).  The total number of genes is 97 to be studied by DNA repair chip. 

05.2006 Launching of Asper Ophthalmics was recognized by Tartu City Government as one of the most remarkable achievement in year 2005.

On the 2nd of May 2006, Tartu City Government recognized establishment and launching of Asper Biotech's new branch Asper Ophthalmics as one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial achievement in the city last year. Asper Ophthalmics is focusing on DNA testing of eye disease disorders and is providing 5 different genetic tests to all over the Europe, North- and South-America, Africa, and Asian retinal communities.

In 2005 we were able to reach more new users than during the earlier years. Our focused approach towards retinal eye diseases has been recognized also both by our long-term partners as well as new users. Currently Asper Ophthalmics is working on numerous new test developments to be launched in 2006 and 2007.

04.2006 New test at Asper Ophthalmics for screening mutations in Bardet Biedl Syndrome

Bardet Biedl Syndrome (BBS) test has been established for screening 237 mutations from 12 genes: BBS1, BBS2, BBS3, BBS4, BBS5, BBS6, BBS7, BBS8, BBS10, PHF6, ALMS1, GNAS1.
  
Development and validation experiments have been performed in collaboration with our partners from Institute of Child Health (UK), John Hopkins University School of Medicine (USA), University of Vigo (Spain) and  University Louis Pasteur (France). 
  
For further information please look http://www.asperophthalmics.com/BBSgenetest.htm or contact info@asperophthalmics.com.
  

04.2006 Asper Ophthalmics announces the availability of its new Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa DNA test
  
Asper Ophthalmics has been working on the development and validation of the Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa test (AR-RP test) since early 2005. The test includes 502 mutations from 16 genes: CERKL, CNGA1, CNGB1, MERTK, PDE6A, PDE6B, PNR, RDH12, RGR, RLBP1, SAG, TULP1, CRB, RPE65, USH2A, USH3A. With this content, it is one of the most comprehensive tests available for screening known mutations associated with the disease. 
The new test is ready for use in high-throughput screening of DNA samples as well as the analysis of individual samples. We continue working on the test, and will update the mutation list at least twice per year. 
The development and validation of the test has been performed in tight collaboration with a strong scientific consortium led by Prof. Rando Allikmets from Columbia University (NY, USA). Retina International and its national sub-organizations have contributed to the development of the AR-RP test. 
The next test for screening known mutations in autosomal dominant RP is currently under development and will be launched during the second half of next year. For further information please look
http://www.asperophthalmics.com/ARRPgenetest.htm  or contact
info@asperophthalmics.com.
 
 

01.2006 Asper Biotech's branch Asper Ophthalmics invites all interested to its booth #101 at the ARVO 2005 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on April 30-May 4.
 
As last year, Asper will be represented at the meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2006. The meeting will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on April 30-May 4. Asper welcomes all existing partners and everyone interested in collaboration with Asper to attend the conference and meet in its booth #101.