Bionano Genomics Announces Groundbreaking Cancer Research Using Optical Genome Mapping
In a recent development within the field of cancer research, Bionano Genomics, Inc. has disseminated findings from a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Cancers. This study, conducted collaboratively by esteemed researchers from the NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Scripps MD Anderson in La Jolla, California, marks a potentially unprecedented use of optical genome mapping (OGM) to pinpoint structural variants (SVs) that play a role in drug resistance and sensitivity in cancer.
The research scrutinized 26 leukemia samples from 23 individuals, including post-relapse specimens. It undertook a comparative analysis of genome variation signatures from these samples, utilizing OGM and juxtaposing the results with those derived from traditional cytogenetic methods, such as karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The study was further augmented by an extensive drug library and a cell viability and drug screening assay, which gauged the reaction of leukemia-enriched cell collections to a variety of cancer drugs.
The outcomes of this study are noteworthy. OGM not only successfully identified all SVs detected by classical cytogenetic methods but also revealed additional variants that had not been documented previously. For example, leukemia samples with BCR-ABL1 translocation were found to be sensitive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Nilotinib, yet exhibited resistance to proteasome inhibitors. Furthermore, the research brought to light drug sensitivities linked to previously unreported genomic rearrangements, such as KMT2A translocations, which showed a response to microtubule disruptors like Paclitaxel and Cabazitaxel, and resistance to Bcl-2 family inhibitors.
These discoveries indicate that OGM, in conjunction with drug sensitivity data, could serve as a formidable method for identifying SVs that may dictate drug sensitivity or resistance. The potential ramifications of this research are extensive, suggesting a pathway to novel treatment strategies for leukemia and possibly other types of cancers.
Erik Holmlin, PhD, the president and chief executive officer of Bionano Genomics, conveyed his excitement regarding the study, emphasizing its potential to facilitate the identification of biomarkers and to aid pharmaceutical entities in the creation of more efficacious drugs. He also underscored the significance of such research in enabling healthcare providers to prescribe the most suitable drugs to their patients.
Bionano Genomics is committed to revolutionizing the perception of the genome on a global scale. The company offers genome analysis solutions that enable researchers and clinicians to unravel answers to intricate biological and medical questions. Its mission revolves around enhancing genome comprehension through OGM solutions, diagnostic services, and software. Bionano’s subsidiary, Lineagen, Inc. dba Bionano Laboratories, also provides diagnostic testing for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. In addition, the company offers a premier software solution for the analysis, visualization, interpretation, and reporting of genomic data.
The recent study spearheaded by Bionano Genomics and its partners signifies a considerable leap in cancer research. The application of OGM to detect SVs influencing drug resistance and sensitivity heralds new prospects for personalized medicine and the creation of targeted therapies. Through its provision of sophisticated tools and services for genome analysis, Bionano Genomics continues to play a pivotal role in the scientific community’s efforts to decode complex genetic disorders and diseases.
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