Syngene - Automated Image Analysis of Proteins and RNA - Helps in the Fight to Prevent Heart Disease

May 22 2003, Cambridge, UK: Syngene, a world-leading manufacturer of image analysis solutions is pleased to announce ChemiGenius2, its premium chemiluminescent and fluorescent image analyser, is helping to improve the accuracy of crucial research into heart disease.

Researchers in the Unit of Cardiac Physiology at the University of Manchester are using ChemiGenius2 to automate detection and quantification of novel proteins and RNA. These are associated with the control of calcium within the heart and the development of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). To facilitate this, the group is performing non-radioactive Western and Northern blots, as well as nuclease protection assays.

Dr Andrew Trafford, Lecturer in Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Manchester explained: “Before we automated our imaging we used isotopes and X-ray film to visualise proteins or RNA. This was something we found time consuming. In addition, it also made it very difficult to perform accurate quantitative comparisons of the very small amounts of material we have to work with. In fact, before we used the ChemiGenius2 we did not perform nuclease protection assays at all because it would have been a struggle to obtain the sensitivity with X-ray film and isotopes. However, we have since discovered they are much more accurate than Northern blots.”

“Before purchasing we reviewed an alternative system but found ChemiGenius2 performed well with fluorescent or chemiluminescent stains and had excellent features at a competitive price, so this is what swayed us,” Dr Trafford continued.

Paul Ellwood, Syngene’s Sales and Marketing Director: ”We are delighted to see the ChemiGenius2 enhancing results on such important research into heart disease. The improved sensitivity the Unit of Cardiac Physiology is achieving is a great testament to how the ChemiGenius2 can benefit the research of any scientist working with limited quantities of RNA or protein.”

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For Further Information Contact:
Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.
Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101
Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com  Web site: www.syngene.com  

Editor Contact:
Dr Sue Pearson, PO Box 170, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3GD, UK.
Tel/Fax +44(0) 1462- 635327 Email: sue6.pearson@ntlworld.com 

Note to Editors

About Syngene

Syngene is a world-leading supplier of integrated imaging solutions for analysis and documentation of gel-based information. Syngene’s systems are used by more than 10,000 research organisations and over 50,000 individual scientists world-wide and include many of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies and major research institutes. 

Syngene, founded in 1997, is a division of the Synoptics Group based in Cambridge, UK. The Group’s other divisions, Syncroscopy and Synbiosis, specialise in digital imaging solutions for microscopy and microbial applications respectively. Synoptics currently employs 55 people in its UK and subsidiary operation in Frederick, USA. The Group has profitable revenue of almost $10 million and continues to grow rapidly.

About the Unit of Cardiac Physiology 

The Unit of Cardiac Physiology at the University of Manchester is researching the control of contractility in the heart and the influence of various disease states on cardiac function. As well as looking at which proteins are involved in calcium signalling pathways, the Unit is also trying to determine methods of blocking spontaneous release without depressing normal release. The ultimate goal of this research is to find new druggable targets which small molecule could be directed against and therefore, that helps combat some of the deleterious events associated with various cardiac diseases.