Sigma-Aldrich allies with Czech Center for Phenogenomics on gene editing

Sigma-Aldrich has announced a new research partnership with the Institute of Molecular Genetics (IMG) at the Czech Center for Phenogenomics (CCP) in Prague.

The gene editing collaboration will see the company provide Sigma CRISPR technology for the transgenic module at IMG/CCP, including reagents, experimental design consultation and dedicated gene editing bioinformaticians.

It will help scientists at the facility to more consistently and confidently modify genes of interest, leading to more reproducible outcomes in their research.

The CCP is the largest comprehensive rodent research infrastructure in central Europe, providing strain cryopreservation and archiving services, advanced phenotyping and imaging services, specific pathogen-free animal housing and husbandry, and a full spectrum of genetic engineering services.

Dr Sean Muthian, director of strategic marketing and collaborations at Sigma-Aldrich, said: "The Sigma-Aldrich CRISPR Core Lab Collaboration helps accelerate the pace of translational research … allowing scientists at the transgenic facility to focus on developing animal models that reflect the human condition."

Sigma-Aldrich will soon become part of the Merck KGaA group, after agreeing to the acquisition in September 2014. The deal is expected to close midway through this year.