Scanalytics' Gene Profiler v. 3.52 Replaces RFLPscan

(FAIRFAX, VA- NOVEMBER 2, 1998) Scanalytics announces the release of a new and expanded software product called Gene Profiler version 3.52. This program, designed for use in the analysis and databasing of one-dimensional gel electrophoresis studies, is a descendent of and replacement for Scanalytics RFLPscan. The evolution of this product over the years has required the addition of several new features especially those dealing with the analysis of PCR-based protocols. These enhancements have resulted in the release of the updated product under a new, more descriptive name: Gene Profiler.

Gene Profiler v. 3.52 has a new, improved method for DNA microsatellite analysis, a PCR-based technique now widely used in genotyping and in genetic linkage analysis. The software has the ability to recognize STRs (short tandem repeats) and to discriminate automatically between true PCR (polymerase chain reaction) products and their "stutter" bands, making it much easier for the investigator to identify alleles. It also automatically identifies and flags samples as being in the heterozygous and homozygous states. The built-in SQL (structured query language) relational database has also been expanded to handle the new types of data being stored.

In addition to the changes in the analytical methods, the software has been given expanded capabilities in image acquisition. Gene Profiler has added a new, built-in image acquisition driver that operates the Scion VG5 and LG3 frame grabber boards that are compatible with the Scanalytics DocuGel and Gel Explorer gel documentation systems.

Scanalytics now supports both the Vilber-Lourmat and Alpha Innotech cabinets, which offer a wide range of size and transillumination capabilities. The new Gene Profiler software is now compatible with both the Cohu 4912 camera and the Dage-MTI 100S monochrome CCD camera.

The original product, released in 1991 under the name RFLPscan, was developed for a market where RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis was the dominant method of DNA typing. Now, in 1998, PCR-based techniques have greatly surpassed RFLP as the method of choice. The new product, Gene Profiler, while still capable of handling RFLP-based experiments, can now be identified more easily as an analytical tool useful for a wide range of applications that deal with genetic analyses.

Gene Profiler is available in two versions: Gene Profiler v. 3.52, and Gene Profiler 'FE' Forensic Edition v. 3.52, used for DNA fragment sizing and DNA typing in forensic and paternity testing. The FE version is compatible with the FBI's CODIS software which is used by law enforcement agencies throughout the US.