Genomics for Enhancing Breast Health: October 2024 Edition

Dear subscribers,

Welcome to the October 2024 edition! As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we focused on genomics' impact on improving breast health, specifically how high-throughput sequencing contributes to further understanding of breast health and clinical practice. We highlighted progress in studying breast cancer risk genes, which has significant implications for both prevention and diagnosis. We also shared valuable experiences from our eco-partners, emphasizing how advanced technology is pushing the boundaries of breast cancer studies.

Explore other highlights throughout October:

• Informative insights on advancements in research with sequencing technology
• Reflections on MGI's efforts in agricultural genomics to defend the right to food
• Monthly updates on global partnerships and business progress

Genomics for Enhancing Breast Health

While we recognize that advancements in genomics benefit breast cancer prevention and treatment, the question remains: how exactly do they do so? This month, we take a closer look at MGI's efforts to address this critical global health issue.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are perhaps the most recognized genes associated with breast cancer; however, ongoing research has identified additional risk genes that have now been integrated into genetic testing protocols. Genetic testing empowers individuals to take proactive measures based on their results. At MGI, we help improve the accuracy and accessibility of genetic testing through the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Furthermore, we actively support local breast healthcare initiatives by empowering our eco-partners.

A/Professor Mirana Ramialison, co-lead of the reNEW Bioinformatics Hub and group leader at Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), shares her personal journey with breast cancer, where she also mentions the advances genomics sequencing and spatial transcriptomics are making in understanding this cancer.

Davide Cacchiarelli, a professor at the University of Naples “Federico II” and Principal Investigator at the Telethon Foundation, also underscores the transformative application of DNBSEQ technology in screening for driver genes associated with breast cancer and other malignancies in Italy. His work exemplifies how innovative genomic tools can enhance early detection and intervention strategies.

As we move forward, MGI remains committed to advancing genomics to improve breast health worldwide. By fostering collaboration, supporting research initiatives, and developing state-of-the-art technologies, we aim to empower individuals and healthcare professionals to fight against breast cancer, ensuring the genomics benefits all humankind in the healthcare area.

Future of Omics Conference Interview series

This month, we continue to share the Future of Omics Conference interviews series, in which global experts share informative insights into their research area and the significant technological progress they are experiencing.

• Prof. Partha P. Majumder: NGS Advances Indian Oral Cancer Study

Oral cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Indian males and has been a major focus for Prof. Partha Majumder and his collaborators in the International Cancer Genome Consortium project. They utilized NGS technology to uncover gene variations, enhancing understanding of the progression of Indian oral cancer.

• Prof. Horst Olaf Riess: The Transformative Potential of WGS in Clinical Practice in Germany

Good medical care starts with the right diagnosis. For Rare Diseases (RD) it is anticipated that about 80% have a clear genetic condition being an ideal patient cohort to apply whole genome sequencing. Dr. Olaf Horst Riess from Institut of Medical Genetic and Applied Genomics, a leader in using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to diagnose rare diseases and assess cancer risks in Germany, shared his insights on the transformative potential of WGS in clinical practice, along with the key challenges of integrating this powerful tool into everyday healthcare.

• Prof. Christian Conrad: Stereo-seq, FluoXpert, and aLab at MGI are exciting and thrilling

Prof. Christian Conrad from the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité shared his valuable insights and experiences with Stereo-seq technology, MGI's FluoXpert, and MGI Hong Kong aLab and had high praise for each of these tools in supporting breakthrough research.

Learn More about SEQ ALL Capabilities

Last month, we announced our SEQ ALL capabilities along with the acquisition of distribution rights for CycloneSEQ sequencers. What does this mean for the global omics community? How does omics research benefit from our comprehensive portfolio? To explore these questions, read the articles published on GenomeWeb and News-Medical discussing our SEQ ALL capabilities.

Tour MGI European Headquarters in Berlin, Germany

In June 2024, MGI announced the grand opening of its new European headquarters in Berlin, Germany, marking a significant step in our commitment to supporting the life science community across the region.

??Now, follow the video shoot to tour our MGI European Headquarters.

Selected as a Special Mention In TIME Best Inventions 2024

In the latest TIME Best Inventions 2024 list, MGI received a Special Mention for its DNBSEQ-T20x2 Genetic Sequencer. This recognition highlights the groundbreaking technology's ability to capture global interest and attention with its innovative features and elegant design.

Partnership with OncoDNA to bring the OncoDEEP? Kit workflow to MGI sequencers

Recently, MGI announced a collaboration with OncoDNA. By integrating OncoDNA’s expertise in precision medicine and theranostics and MGI’s commitment to leading life sciences innovation, laboratories now can access a streamlined, fully compatible workflow encompassing sequencing, secondary analysis, and NGS data interpretation (OncoKDM?) on DNBSEQ sequencing platform.

New distributor partnership in Benelux to bring advanced automation solutions

This month, we announced a strategic collaboration between MGI and Isogen Life Science. This partnership will bring advanced liquid handling solutions to the Benelux market, expanding beyond NGS workflows into diverse applications such as drug discovery, proteomics, pharma, etc.

First T7 for agriculture application in Latin America

This month marks an accomplishment for MGI and GDM. The DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer has been officially installed in GDM’s lab, signifying the first T7 sequencer for agriculture application landing in Latin America.?The T7 will empower GDM to unlock new genetic insights, driving agricultural innovation across Brazil and beyond.?

Thank you for reading! Catch us next month and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube for more of the latest content from MGI. To get more information, please visit the MGI website.

Warmest regards,

The “MGI Newsletter” Editorial Team