GeneTrace Systems Inc., a privately held genomics and bioinformatics company, today announced the inauguration of its automated high throughput SNP validation process line.   Capable of generating SNP (single nucleotide  polymorphism) data on 10,000 samples per day, it is expected to operate at a rate of  50,000 samples per day by July of this year.

The recent acceleration of sequencing efforts in the Human Genome Project is expected to result in more than 100,000 human SNPs for analysis in the next few years. SNPs representing genetic variation within a population are a current source of great interest in the research community as possible markers establishing the relationship between genotype (the pattern of genetic variation) and phenotype (for example, the propensity for development of a disease). SNPs may be particularly effective as handy tags for disease genes that are potential drug targets. These markers can only be useful if the SNPs in question can be correlated to distribution and frequency in the general population and tied to inheritance and phenotypes such as a disease state.

In order to use SNP analysis as a general tool for drug discovery, the ability to study large numbers of SNPs is essential. GeneTrace is combining its expertise in marker design, automation and time of flight mass spectrometry to meet this need. "Our ability to now utilize SNP analysis in concert with our gene expression technology will enable us to generate important additional data for drug discovery," said Dr. George B. LaMotte III, chief executive officer of GeneTrace Systems Inc. "The analysis of these new data sets with our bioinformatic tools and integration with our existing database will provide another level of information and value to our partners."

Based in Alameda, California, GeneTrace Systems Inc. is a privately held company integrating genomic and proteomic tools with bioinformatic systems to accelerate the discovery and development of novel therapeutic targets and drugs, and agricultural products.  The company's core technology platforms include:   genotyping through the characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellites; high-throughput gene expression screening of chemical compound-treated cells; the analysis of gene expression patterns for target discovery; and systems for proteomics analysis.  GeneTrace has entered into an exclusive alliance with Monsanto Company for  agricultural applications of its technology; the two companies have an ongoing collaboration initially focused on genotyping selected plants and animals. GeneTrace is actively seeking drug and target discovery collaborations with pharmaceutical,  biotechnology and genomics companies.

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