Egene Inc (fka EGEI)

[ProfitScout]

eGene's DNA Analyzer Used for Rice Mutation Screening; Application Has Implications for Use in Plant Research and Food Supply Worldwide

IRVINE, Calif., Apr 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- eGene Inc. ( EGEI ), developers of a revolutionary high-performance genetic analysis technology, today announced that its analyzer was used recently by the Japan National Institute of Genetics for large-scale rice mutation screening.

The results of this screening were published in a Japanese Rice Genetics Newsletter, Vol. 22, and the text of that paper can be found at http://www.shigen.nig.ac.jp/rice/rgn/vol22/v26.html.

Dr. Ming S. Liu, acting CEO of eGene, noted: "This is an application for our technology that could have tremendous importance in the field of agriculture. Our system can be used in modified TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesion in Genome) method to screen SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) for large-scale rice mutation screening, and it only took an eight-minute electrophoresis process to get the result." He continued: "Plant genetic research is a large field in many countries. Our automated system can be an effective tool for plant researchers to screen complicated plant genetic mutation. eGene's HDA-GT12 Genetic Analyzer has experienced very quick acceptance from the agriculture research community."

Dr. Liu explained that TILLING is a genetic tool that makes it possible to develop seeds that have genetic mutations that can benefit consumers. "For example, it might be possible to either remove a gene or change a gene that causes allergies in individuals. TILLING allows agriculture experts and planters to determine a gene's function, remove undesirable traits or create desirable ones."

The HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer is in use at more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide. The system analyzes genetic fingerprinting of living organisms through microsatellites, AFLP and RFLP. It performs fast DNA sample screening and high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp). The system also analyzes the quality and quantity of total RNA and cRNA, determines the efficiency of cRNA and cDNA amplification reactions and ensures quality of fragmented cRNA. The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis to be performed. All data is then received in digital form for appropriate transmission and storage.

About eGene Inc.

eGene Inc. ( www.egeneinc.com) focuses its core technologies of capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, liquid handling and automation to develop and manufacture low-cost microfluidic, miniaturized digital genetic analyzer systems, software and consumables for biological materials testing applications. These products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA and RNA at high rates of specificity and sensitivity while automating routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development quality and productivity.

his press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revision, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

SOURCE: eGene Inc.

Martin E. Janis & Company Inc. for eGene Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, 312-943-1100, ext. 12
[e-mail]
or
Andrew Ponzo, 312-943-1100, ext. 17
[e-mail]


Copyright Business Wire 2006