Helicos and Uppsala University Collaborate to Study Genome Structure ...

Tag : bind wire
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - (Business Wire) Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ:HLCS) today announced a scientific collaboration with arespected genomics research group at Sweden ’ s Uppsala University aimed at gaining new insights into how genomestructure plays a key role in the ways genes are regulated withincells.
The Uppsala team, led by Claes Wadelius, will work with Helicosscientists on a research plan designed to utilize Helicos ’ proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS) ™ technology to investigate changes in the cell nucleus that occurin the presence of growth factors. This includes changes in thestructure of the protein-DNA complexes that make up chromosomes andhow they interact with transcription factors that bind DNA. Thisinformation will help provide a more complete understanding of howstructural features of the genome affect gene expression.
“ The ability of the Helicos technology to determine sequenceinformation from individual molecules of DNA and RNA allows anunbiased, high-resolution view of cellular gene regulation, ” said Uppsala University ’ s Wadelius.
The Uppsala team will utilize its experience from the ENCODE(Encyclopedia Of DNA Elements) consortium, an international networkof research institutions working to identify and characterize allfunctional elements within the human genome. The collaboration willrely on the vast expertise of the Uppsala University research groupin examining critical questions of genome biology and the accuracyof true direct DNA measurement.
The research partnership will investigate what happens to thegenetic architecture of cells when they are exposed to growthfactors. The exposures result in changes at the DNA level in thestructure of nucleosomes — the fundamental repeated units of chromosomes — as well as in transcription factor binding and their role inaltering subsequent gene activity. The level and timing of geneactivity is a critical factor for a wide range of healthy cellularfunction, such as immune response, as well as many diseases,including cancer and heart disease.
“ One of the keys to a full understanding of genome biology is theability to effectively integrate what we know about genomestructure with the complex interactions between DNA and moleculesin the cell that control gene activity, ” explained Helicos Chief Scientific Officer Patrice Milos. “ We are privileged to be working with the Uppsala scientists, asthey have played such a crucial role in exploring the genome. Theyshare our excitement about the opportunity afforded by Helicos ’ single molecule sequencing approach to unravel the secrets ofgenome structure and function. ”
About Helicos BioSciences
Helicos BioSciences is a life science company focused on innovativegenetic analysis technologies for the research, drug discovery, anddiagnostic markets. Helicos' proprietary True Single MoleculeSequencing (tSMS) ™ technology allows direct measurement of billions of strands ofDNA, enabling scientists to perform experiments and ask questionsnever before possible. Helicos is a recipient of the $1,000 genomegrant and is committed to providing scientists the tools to unlockthe era of genomic medicine. The company's corporate headquartersare located at One Kendall Square, Building 700, Cambridge, MA02139, and its telephone number is (617) 264-1800. For moreinformation, please visit www.helicosbio.com .
About Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a comprehensive international researchuniversity, with more than 500 years dedicated to advancingscience, scholarship, and higher education. Uppsala University has6,000 employees. Every year more than 40,000 undergraduate andgraduate students enroll for classes. Research is pursued acrossnine faculties - theology, law, arts, languages, social sciences,educational sciences, medicine, pharmacy, science and technology.Most of the research is of a fundamental nature but many of theresearch projects are driven together in close cooperation withcommercial industries and the public sector. Internationalcollaboration is a key link in the University's activities. Formore information, please visit http://www.uu.se/en/ .
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based onhistorical information are forward-looking statements which aremade pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-lookingstatements relating to, among other things, Helicos' expectationsconcerning the outcome of the collaboration with Uppsala Universitydiscussed in this press release and management's plans, objectivesand strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but aresubject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which arebeyond Helicos' control, which could cause actual results to differmaterially from those contemplated in these forward-lookingstatements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include,among other things, our ability to successfully complete themanufacturing process and commercialize the Helicos GeneticAnalysis System; competition; changing technology and customerrequirements; our ability to operate in an emerging market; marketacceptance of our technology; our ability to retain our personneland hire additional skilled personnel; our ability to manage ourrapid growth and our ability to obtain capital when desired onfavorable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place unduereliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only asof the date hereof. Helicos undertakes no obligation to update or revise theinformation contained in this press release, whether as a result ofnew information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced byHelicos, see the disclosure contained in Helicos' public filingswith the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Relations Contact :
Helicos BioSciences Corporation
Justine Alonzo, 617-264-1822
Investor Relations
InvestorRelations@helicosbio.com
or
Media Contact:
Racepoint Group
Alicia Rampulla, PhD, 781-487-4680
Account Supervisor
arampulla@racepointgroup.com