PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore partners Oxford
Biodynamics to discover and monitor cells for pathologies or
abnormalities
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, date 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- (ἐ πί), 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.”
Notes to the Editor
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: [email protected]
About Oxford BioDynamics
Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) is an Oxford University spin-out that has developed and
validated a proprietary biomarker discovery platform, EpiSwitch™, based on the
latest advances in the mechanisms of gene expression, non-coding RNA,
chromosome conformation signatures and epigenetics.
The Company offers product development for highly effective, non-invasive
applications in stratification of physiological and pathological conditions; screening
and early detection; monitoring of treatment and prognosis of diseases and chronic
conditions. Company latest products utilize aberrant gene expression and epigenetic
deregulation in oncology, inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and
neurodegenerative conditions. In March 2013 Janssen Oncology USA (Johnson and
Johnson) has announced a programme for the EpiSwitchTM biomarker development
for circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in patients with prostate cancer. The Company will
be presenting its latest results for nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the Meeting of the
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, IL.
The Oxford BioDynamics holding company is registered in England and Wales, with
wholly owned subsidiaries in Singapore and Australia.
www.oxfordbiodynamics.com
About the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) is an institute of the Agency for Science,
Technology and Research (A*STAR). It has a global vision that seeks to use
genomic sciences to improve public health and public prosperity. Established in 2001
as a centre for genomic discovery, the GIS will pursue the integration of technology,
genetics and biology towards the goal of individualized medicine.
The key research areas at the GIS include Systems Biology, Stem Cell &
Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology & Pharmacology, Human Genetics,
Infectious Diseases, Genomic Technologies, and Computational & Mathematical
Biology. The genomics infrastructure at the GIS is utilized to train new scientific
talent, to function as a bridge for academic and industrial research, and to explore
scientific questions of high impact.
www.gis.a-star.edu.sg
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead
public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive
economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and
innovation driven economy.
In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and
development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore’s manufacturing sector
and catalysing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by
providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.
A*STAR oversees 20 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering
research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their vicinity. These
two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international
research scientists and engineers from A*STAR’s research entities as well as a
growing number of corporate laboratories.
www.a-star.edu.sg