Applied Biosystems Introduces New Rat Genome Survey Microarray

Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today announced the commercial availability of the Rat Genome Survey Microarray for use with its Expression Array System, the most comprehensive system for gene expression analysis when compared to other commercial microarrays.

Based on a combination of the public and Celera Genomics databases, computational annotation, and manual curation, the Applied Biosystems Rat Genome Survey Microarray contains 26,857 probes for the interrogation of 27,088 genes covering 43,508 rat transcripts. This microarray includes more than 10,000 genes not covered by other commercial microarrays.

“Toxicology screening using the rat model has become essential to the process of bringing new drugs to market,” said Catherine M. Burzik, President of Applied Biosystems. “The new Rat Genome Survey Microarray complements our recently released Mouse Genome Survey Array, offering researchers comprehensive genomic coverage for these important model organisms.”

The Applied Biosystems Expression Array System is part of an integrated workflow solution for gene expression analysis. The system enables researchers to easily move from whole-genome analysis to gene validation, quantification, and functional analysis by using the Expression Array System in conjunction with the Applied Biosystems TaqMan(R) Rat Gene Expression Assays, TaqMan(R) Low Density Array, and real-time PCR systems. Once microarray results are generated by the Applied Biosystems Expression Array System, researchers can link via the Applied Biosystems Web site to TaqMan(R) Rat Gene Expression Assays to facilitate validation of microarray results, absolute quantification of transcripts, and investigation of alternative splicing. These assays can be configured on the TaqMan(R) Low Density Array to screen multiple samples against custom-selected gene panels.

The Expression Array System is a highly sensitive gene expression detection system that detects more genes and achieves more than a 10-fold increase in sensitivity while using less sample for the detection of even genes expressed at very low levels, compared with conventional fluorescent microarrays. The System uses a chemiluminescence-detection instrument, software, and chemistries to deliver unambiguous gene results that are highly sensitive and reproducible.

This system is equipped with an Oracle(R) database that provides annotation of genes based on Celera Genomics and public database annotation for the transcripts. In addition, customers are provided links to information from the Applied Biosystems PANTHER(TM) Protein Classification System, which classifies both molecular functions and biological processes.

For more information, visit http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/RatMicroarray .

About Applera Corporation and Applied Biosystems

Applera Corporation consists of two operating groups. The Applied Biosystems Group serves the life science industry and research community by developing and marketing instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.7 billion during fiscal 2004. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE:CRA) is engaged principally in the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Celera Genomics is leveraging its proteomic, bioinformatic, and genomic capabilities to identify and validate drug targets, and to discover and develop small molecule therapeutics. It is also seeking to advance therapeutic antibody and selected small molecule drug programs in collaboration with global technology and market leaders. Celera Diagnostics, a 50/50 joint venture between Applied Biosystems and Celera Genomics, is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of diagnostic products. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at http://www.applera.com , or by telephoning 800.762.6923. Information about Applied Biosystems is available at http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ .

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

The PCR process and the 5′ nuclease assay process are covered by the patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.

TaqMan is a registered trademark of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

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Copyright(C) 2004. Applera Corporation. All rights reserved. Applied Biosystems and Celera are registered trademarks and Applera, Celera Diagnostics, Celera Genomics, Celera Discovery System, and Panther are trademarks of Applera Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries.