ATG joins DiagNET consortium

Merzhausen, Germany: – German-based contract research organization ATG:biosynthetics (ATG) has joined the multinational DiagNET project working for joint development of new diagnostic procedures in the antimicrobial sector.

ATG’s main contribution to the DiagNET project will be its novel Epitope mapping service that combines computational analysis of pathogen genomes with PepID-biopeptides expression and high-density peptide microarray technology. This new methodology aims to improve diagnostic value by promoting unambiguous results and to maximize the efficacy of multi-epitope vaccines.

Multiresistant pathogens

DiagNET aims for “diagnostics of the future” in developing new diagnosis procedures, drawing on a competence network of industry and science that includes the four countries bordering Lake Constance: Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France.

The project is coordinated by the Konstanz-based BioLAGO e.V., regional life science network with support from the European Union via its Interreg V Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein program.

The main topics of DiagNET’s working groups are: multiresistant pathogens, therapy monitoring, digital diagnostics and lifestyle diagnostics.

Powerful peptide libraries

ATG: biosynthetics has created an optimal set of peptide libraries for epitope mapping by developing bioinformatics prediction tools that allowed the team to use in silico techniques to reduce the number of peptides to test.

When combined with powerful PepID computational algorithms, these technologies allow ATG to generate deterministic DNA-encoded peptide libraries that can then be expressed on antibody recognition, either by colony immunoblotting or using cell surface display.

Speeding diagnostic development

“We have much to contribute to advanced diagnostics“ said ATG:biosynthetics CEO, Dr. Hubert S. Bernauer, who played a leading role in developing the new library design system.

“By reducing complexity, we can considerably reduce the cost and speed the development of epitope mapping that can model the entire surfome of target pathogens,” said Dr. Bernauer.

ATG initially developed its peptide library for epitope mapping to support 2013 and 2014 research projects aiming to identify origins and human antibody responses to the West Nile Virus (WNV).

Subsequently, as part of the MycoSynVac consortium, ATG has developed a new workflow that drastically reduces the number of peptides to test in compiling an optimal list.

About ATG: biosynthetics

Advanced Technical Genetomics (ATG) is a German-based company that specializes in synthetic biology, combinatorial gene design and multi-gene expression. Located in Merzhausen near Freiburg, ATG offers a complete range of multi-gene and multi-peptide expression products and services for synthetic and molecular biology as well as allied research and development areas.

ATG:biosynthetics possesses particular strengths in designing tailor-made solutions (e.g., gene cluster and complete pathway designs) that harness its technologies and services in related product areas that include gene synthesis, bioinformatics, molecular in silico biodesign, epitope mapping and pathway engineering. These provide clients with individual products and services or integrated solutions that offer a complete product & service package for peptide/gene expression and synthetic biology applications.

ATG seeks partnerships and outsourcing projects that aim at developing and marketing high-potential applications, e.g. creating high efficiency DNA- and protein-based vaccines.

About DiagNET

DiagNET links companies, research facilities and clinics with expertise in various diagnostic fields, including research and development, production, marketing and application.

The project “diagnostics of the future” aims to develop and apply new diagnostic procedures from a competence network of industry and science that includes the four countries bordering Lake Constance: Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France.

The project is coordinated by BioLAGO e.V., the life science network around Lake Constance, with support from the European Union via its Interreg V Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein program.

The main topics of DiagNET’s working groups are: multiresistant pathogens, therapy monitoring, digital diagnostics and lifestyle diagnostics.

More information at: http://www.diagnet.org/en/home/.