News in detail

Progress in the field of genetic analysis: DNA sequencing determines the sequence of genetic building blocks (nucleotides) and is one of the most important technologies of genetic analysis. Progress and Next Generation Sequencing technology provide great potential for fundamental research and medical diagnostics. The Research School Chemical Biology at the University of Konstanz and GATC Biotech AG, one of the leading sequencing service providers, have now signed an agreement for close scientific and cost-efficient cooperation in the area of "Next Generation Sequencing“ (NGS). They will establish an "Alliance for Sequence and Transcript Analysis“ (ASTRA) in order to further develop and expand modern sequencing processes. The co-operation was established during a joint workshop of the partners, mediated by the BioLAGO life science network.

The ASTRA alliance combines the excellent infrastructure of GATC Biotech with the University of Konstanz's research projects in the profile area chemical biology. “The new agreement creates mutual benefits for both partners”, explained Professor Andreas Marx, spokesperson for the Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology. “Our research projects benefit from the cost-efficient sequencing at GATC, while for GATC, our research projects provide the basis for novel developments.”

The new co-operation opens the door for the Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology to use the latest form of genome analysis in its research projects and GATC's state-of-the-art infrastructure. GATC supports the researchers by providing know-how of affordable and high-quality sequencing and offering consultation in project design. “We want to support the university in its ambitious research work with our efficient laboratories and our experience in deciphering genetic material,” said Dr. Marcus Benz, Member of the Executive Board of GATC Biotech.

The new alliance should not only expand and accelerate effective research in chemical biology, but also transform the technological advantage into scientific and financial success. GATC is already involved in many projects, partially publicly subsidised, with numerous research facilities and can now contribute its know-how to the new collaboration.

Chemical biology, including the area of life sciences, is considered as one of the four profile areas at the University of Konstanz. The Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, which is jointly coordinated by the university's Departments of Biology, Chemistry, as well as of Computer Science and Information Science, was successful in both phases of the German Excellence Initiative. It has been supported during two funding phases from 2007 to 2017 and is currently still being funded until 31 December 2018. To-date, more than 220 doctoral projects have been launched, with 115 of them already successfully completed.

About GATC Biotech

GATC Biotech AG, with its headquarters in Konstanz, Germany, is Europe's leading provider in the field of genotype analysis.

Since 1990, the power of innovation and quality in DNA and RNA sequencing as well as bioinformatics at the highest level have been the company's trademarks. The family business is providing its services to more than 10,000 customers in the fields of industry, healthcare and academic research in 40 countries. Currently, the entrepreneurial energy is focused on a completely new approach for the field of personalised healthcare. GATC Biotech' track record of publicly funded projects is remarkable for a medium-sized company. Together with various European partners, GATC Biotech regularly conducts research projects relating to publicly subsidised topics. 

Learn more on:   www.gatc-biotech.com.

Contact GATC Biotech:
Detlef Janssen
GATC Biotech AG
Marketing & Communications
Phone: +49 (0) 7531 81 60 4154
email: d.janssen@gatc-biotech.com

Facts overview:

• Cooperation goal:  establishing an “Alliance for Sequence and TRanscript Analysis“ (ASTRA) for further developing modern sequencing processes.
• Agreement:   use of the infrastructure of GATC Biotech for research projects of the Research School Chemical Biology