Presentation 36,37
Presentation 36
Rosetta Genomics - Leading the microRNA Revolution
Dr. Issac Bentwich
Rosetta Genomics
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Rosetta Genomics is a groundbreaking biotechnology company and a world leading pioneer in the development and commercialization of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic products. Long thought to be an insignificant element of DNA often called "junk DNA", there is now conclusive evidence that microRNAs play a vital role in the cancer mechanism. This data points to their tremendous potential in the diagnosis and early detection of cancer, as well as their promising role in future therapeutics.
Rosetta Genomics currently holds over 50% of all known human microRNAs with an additional30% in the pipeline.
MicroRNAs are a unique set of genes in the fact that a single microRNA gene can act both as the basis for a diagnostic product for a specific disease, as well as the basis for the future drug for that disease. Once the differentially expressed microRNA is identified, a chemically modified oligonucleotide that complementarily binds to the target microRNA can be inserted into the cell to inhibit it, thus up-regulating protein production.
Our strong IP position and un-equivalent knowledge in microRNA research, has led us to be recognized by leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as academia as an essential resource and partner in the rapidly growing field of microRNA product development. In our presentation we will elaborate on Rosetta Genomics' current focus on the development of minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, as well as on the fascinating possibilities microRNAs hold for future healthcare.
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Presentation 37
Sweet Caluculations : Computing The Structures Of Sugar On Glycoproteins
Dr. Rakefet Rosenfeld
Yheudit Amor，Revital Rosenberg, Tamara Byk - Tennenbaum, Albena Samokovlisky，Roberto Olender，Haim Bangio，Ruth Maya
Procognia Ltd.
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Glycoproteins are produced by cells as a mixture of glycoforms, in which the same protein scaffold is adorned with variable glycan (sugar) structures. Analysis of the glycan structure of a glycoprotein is a challenging undertaking, and recognition of its importance is increasing at a fast pace. Apart from basic protein research, the number of protein therapeutics under development is increasing sharply, and there is a growing need for precise characterization of their glycan structure at all stages of discovery, development, and manufacturing. The currently used methods of glycoanalysis, however, are complex, typically reguiring weeks to provide answers and high levels of expertise, and are not applicable at all stages of discovery and development.
Procognia has developed a new method of analyzing the glycan structures of intact glycoproteins. The method is based on a biochip containing over 30 lectins to which the glycoprotein mixture is bound. The result is a lectin fingerprint that is characteristic of the glycan profile of the glycoprotein mixture, and highly sensitive to changes in this profile.
Due to the complexity of the glycoform mixtures, and the broad specificities and variable affinities of the lectins, the fingerprint itself is not a guantitative readout of the glycan structures in each sample. Proprietary algorithms are applied to deconvolute the fingerprints and provide guantitative profiles of the glycan structures on the sample.
The biochips can be used to analyze both single glycoproteins and complex protein mixtures, such as serum or proteins extracted from cellular compartments.
