ViagenX Develops Frog Array for Environmental and Developmental Studies

The MAGEX frog cDNA array allows for simultaneous analysis of hundreds of genes in a single experiment. The array consists of over 400 well characterized cDNA fragments from frog species Xenopus laevis and Ranid catesbeiana.

Victoria, B.C., Canada (PRWEB) August 15, 2004 -- ViagenX Biotech has developed the MAGEX Frog cDNA Array designed to enhance research in developmental biology and environmental toxicology.

ViagenX is combining age-old knowledge of frogs as sentinels of the environment with the recent technological advances of DNA arrays to provide us with genomics tools that detect the effects of chemical contaminants in the water. This gives us an indication about the state of our environment and how it impacts humans and wildlife," said Dr. Caren Helbing, president of ViagenX.

The MAGEX array is constructed using isolated gene fragments from Xenopus laevis and Rana catesbeiana frog species. It contains over 400 well-characterized cDNA fragments derived from the highly conserved open reading frame region of each target gene. Such a multi-gene format, allows for the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of expressed genes in a single experiment. The unique design of MAGEX maximizes research flexibility and is capable of providing gene expression data from a wide range of species where little genetic information is currently available.

An increasing number of research initiatives focus on non-traditional animal models and investigate the biology of a diverse range of wildlife species. ViagenX is creating effective genomics products that are not generally available in the marketplace," said Nik Veldhoen, vice president of research and development for ViagenX.

ViagenX Biotech Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative genomics solutions for research in the areas of environmental toxicology and developmental biology. ViagenX is a dynamic company that is continually expanding its product line to include molecular tools directed towards a number of wildlife species and laboratory animal models. More information about ViagenX and its products is available at www.viagenx.ca.

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