Omics-Insights: Your Weekly Genomics & Proteomics Digest
Greetings, Omics Enthusiasts!
Welcome to this week's Omics Specialist Newsletter, featuring the latest in omics advancements. PacBio and CoLoRS launched the first free HiFi long-read variant database, enhancing rare disease research. Jumpcode Genomics and Takara Bio USA formed a global patent partnership to boost RNA-seq library sensitivity with CRISPR technology. Seer’s Proteograph? revealed new insights into spaceflight proteomics, and Illumina is in a patent dispute with Molecular Loop over sequencing library prep. Additionally, the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) offers extensive data on spaceflight’s health effects. Our Spotlight features Olle Ericsson, CEO of Moleculent, driving innovations in cell-cell interaction analysis. Plus, explore the latest job openings at Kinetica and a tip on securing strong recommendations. Dive in for these updates and more!
This week's latest news in the field of Omics:
PacBio and CoLoRS Announce First HiFi Long-Read Variant Database
PacBio, a leader in sequencing solutions, and the Consortium for Long-Read Sequencing (CoLoRS) have launched the first free, publicly available HiFi long-read variant frequency database. This resource aids rare disease researchers by providing access to genetic variants undetectable by short-read sequencing. It identifies rare and novel variants by filtering common structural variants, advancing human health research. Michael Schatz from Johns Hopkins University emphasized its significance, noting its greater sensitivity for complex variants compared to existing databases. With data from nearly 1,000 long-read genomes, this global coalition-developed database enhances the detection of complex variants and tandem repeats. Christian Henry, CEO of PacBio, highlighted the collaboration's role in advancing genetic research and empowering global researchers in studies of oncology, rare diseases, and genetic disorders.
Jumpcode Genomics and Takara Bio USA Announce Global Patent Partnership
Jumpcode Genomics and Takara Bio USA, a subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc., have settled their patent dispute and formed a global partnership to combine their foundational IP in targeted depletion of undesired transcripts from NGS libraries using CRISPR-based technology. The agreement includes mutual licensing of IP with undisclosed royalty payments. Their combined IP covers multiple patents, including U.S. Patents 11,708,606 and 10,150,985. The technologies, marketed as DepleteX?, CRISPRclean, and ZapR, remove unwanted sequences from biological samples, enhancing RNA-seq library sensitivity and reducing costs. This technology has applications in research and rapid pathogen detection, crucial for future pandemics. Executives from both companies expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to transform molecular biology and enhance genomics research.
Seer Proteograph? Provides Insights into Spaceflight Proteomic Alterations
Seer announced three publications led by Christopher Mason, Ph.D., highlighting how Seer’s Proteograph Product Suite can uncover novel insights into plasma proteomic changes during spaceflight. Published in Nature, the studies provide a comprehensive data resource from multiple space missions, offering valuable information for studying aerospace-associated physiological changes. A study in Nature Communications described profiling the secretome from the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, revealing significant alterations in proteins involved in coagulation, antioxidation, and brain function, many persisting six months post-return. Dr. Mason emphasized the collaboration's role in identifying new protein metrics and advancing therapeutic and biomarker discovery. Seer’s recently launched Proteograph XT Assay Kit enables rapid, unbiased proteomics research, providing unparalleled insights into drug response, discovery, and precision medicine.
Illumina and Molecular Loop in NGS Library Prep Patent Dispute
Illumina and Molecular Loop have initiated an intellectual property dispute over unique barcoding technology used in sequencing library preparation. Molecular Loop, holding patents from George Church's lab at Harvard Medical School, sued Illumina for infringing five patents, including US Patent Nos. 11,041,852 and 11,840,730. Molecular Loop seeks damages, a permanent injunction or licensing fees, and a jury trial. Illumina preemptively requested the court to declare noninfringement and unenforceability of the patents, citing inequitable conduct by Molecular Loop CEO Greg Porreca. Despite Molecular Loop's preference for licensing its technology, it is committed to protecting its patent rights through litigation. The dispute underscores the competitive nature of the next-generation sequencing market and the importance of patent rights in commercial applications.
Spaceflight Biology Studies and New Multiomics Database
An international team of researchers released extensive health and biological data on spaceflight's effects on humans, establishing the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). This database and biobank include genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, microbiome, and exosome biomarkers from multiple space missions, stored at the Cornell Aerospace Medicine Biobank (CAMbank). Chris Mason from Weill Cornell Medicine highlighted the significance of this dataset for accelerating discoveries on spaceflight's health impacts. A Nature paper noted molecular changes during short-duration spaceflights, similar to longer missions, with most markers returning to baseline post-mission. Studies in Nature Communications explored immune system changes and spatial multiomics of human skin samples, revealing significant physiological responses to space travel. This project, testing cutting-edge technologies, aims to prepare for a future where personalized countermeasures are necessary for long-term space missions.
Spotlight: Person of the Week - Olle Ericsson, Moleculent CEO and Cofounder
This week, we shine a spotlight on Olle Ericsson, the dynamic CEO and cofounder of Moleculent, a Swedish startup making waves in the biotech industry. Under Ericsson's leadership, Moleculent recently secured $26 million in Series A financing, a significant milestone that promises to propel the company to new heights. The funding round was led by Arch Venture Partners, with participation from Eir Ventures and existing investors. This round also saw the appointment of Arch's Patrick Weiss as chairman of the board, alongside Sean Kendall and Eir's Magnus Persson.
Based in Solna, Sweden, Moleculent is on a mission to revolutionize the detection of cell-cell interactions and the profiling of cell communication directly within tissue environments. With these new funds, the company aims to advance its cutting-edge technology to analyze functional proteins, including receptors and ligands, though further details remain under wraps.
Ericsson's vision for Moleculent is bold and transformative. "The Moleculent platform has been designed to allow scientists to uncover radical new insights into the cellular level of human biology and pathology," he stated. He believes that a deeper understanding of cell-cell communication networks in clinical samples could usher in a new era of insights into functional biology and human disorders. Ericsson’s leadership and innovative approach at Moleculent highlight his commitment to advancing the field of biotechnology and improving our understanding of human health.
Current Live Omics Roles at Kinetica:
SVP of Sales – Life Science Capital Equipment
Business Development Manager – Imaging Analysis – Mid-West
Sales Executive – NGS Software – US
Director of Sales – Spatial Biology – West Coast
Marketing Manager – Spatial Biology – West
Account Manager – Mid-Atlantic – Genomics reagents.
Business Development Manager - Synthetic Biology – East Coast
Sales Specialist – Spatial Omics – Northeast US
Account Manager – NGS - Northeast US
Job Hunting Tips from an Omics Specialist Recruiter: Get Recommendations:
Obtain strong letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues who can attest to your omics expertise and work ethic. When requesting a recommendation, choose individuals who have directly observed your skills and contributions, such as former professors, research supervisors, or team leaders. Provide them with a copy of your resume and details about the job you’re applying for to help them write a focused and relevant letter. Personalize your request by reminding them of specific projects or achievements you worked on together. Strong, detailed recommendations can significantly bolster your application by providing potential employers with credible third-party endorsements of your qualifications and character. Make sure to give your recommenders ample time to write their letters and to express your gratitude for their support.
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?Wrapping Up Another Omics-Insights:
Thank you for embarking on a journey into the dynamic world of Omics with Kinetica! Explore the latest genomics job opportunities, stay informed with industry news, and indulge in insightful blogs at www.kinetica.co.uk. Your curiosity drives my commitment to relevant content, and I'm here to provide insights that fuel your scientific endeavors. Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. Wishing you ongoing inspiration and discovery in your scientific pursuits. Until next week, may your experiments yield groundbreaking results, and may your Omics journey remain as fascinating as the science itself!
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