uBiome Announces SmartBiomeTM, a Novel Comprehensive Metagenomic Deep Sequencing Research Platform
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) December 07, 2016 -- Microbial genomics leader uBiome is opening applications to an early access program for SmartBiome -- a novel metagenomic deep-sequencing research platform. SmartBiome combines the discovery power of metagenomic deep-sequencing with the simultaneous specific enrichment and detection of hundreds of different genes. The selective early access program is open for applications from research collaborators with an interest in microbiome sequencing.
Researchers interested in applying to the SmartBiome early access program can find more information here: http://www.ubiome.com/go/smartbiomeform
Metagenomic deep-sequencing is often utilized in identifying microbial pathways, novel functional genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and genes involved in interactions and coevolution between microbiota and host. However, deep sequencing is unable to easily resolve low abundance species or genes. SmartBiome combines targeted sequencing of hundreds of different genes with metagenomic sequencing to overcome this limitation.
The SmartBiome platform will both expand uBiome’s research capabilities as well enrich uBiome’s extensive collaborative research work. uBiome has a successful record of numerous past and ongoing collaborations, including work with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to better understand hospital-acquired infections, an project with Harvard University on a large-scale study of the relationship between genomic and microbiome data in collaboration with Dr. George Church, and investigations with the University of North Carolina that aim to better understand the relationship between the microbiome and eating disorders.
Dr. Zachary Apte, CTO and co-founder of uBiome, and Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco explains: “The SmartBiome platform uses a combination of metagenomic deep-sequencing as well as targeted sequencing of hundreds of specific genes. We have used full metagenomic sequencing at uBiome for years, but we have always been disappointed in the fundamental lack of sensitivity to low abundance organisms and their genes. We developed the SmartBiome platform to overcome these limitations, allowing us to specifically target hundreds of genes in addition to getting the full breadth of metagenomic data from the samples.”
Dr. Jessica Richman, CEO and co-founder of uBiome, says: “Our mission at uBiome is two-fold: advance the scientific understanding of the human microbiome, and harness these discoveries to develop useful products and services that benefit the world. We’ve done this successfully with our uBiome Explorer™ citizen science research products as well as the SmartGut™ clinical test. The SmartBiome platform opens up new ways to advance our mission.”
Founded in 2012, uBiome is the world’s leading microbial genomics company. uBiome is funded by Y Combinator, Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and other leading investors. uBiome’s mission is to explore important research questions about the microbiome and to develop accurate and reliable clinical tests based on the microbiome.
Individuals and organizations interested in registering their interest can do so here: ubiome.com/go/smartbiomeform
Contact:
Julie Taylor
julie(at)ubiome(dot)com
Ph: +1 (415) 212-9214
Julie Taylor, uBiome, http://www.ubiome.com, +1 (415) 275-2461, [email protected]
Share this article