The large diversity of DNA services are carried out at three own certified laboratories. Our DNA services focus on animals, plants and microorganisms and comprise among other things biobanking, genotyping and DNA extraction. The technologies comprise among others KASP, real-time PCR, capillary electrophoresis, Illumina BeadChips, Affymetrix Arrays and the Targeted Genotyping by Sequencing of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
DNA extraction activities
The DNA extraction activities are carried out by means of robots, which are able to isolate DNA from various different sample materials. This is of course applied for own use within the laboratories. However, these techniques are also available to clients that require support with projects (universities), plant breeding (seasonal peaks) and e.g. storing DNA in a biobank (cattle).
Depending on the inquiry, the DNA extraction is carried out in a situation whereby high or low yield is required. RNAse treatment and quantification are also possible.
Genotyping focused on separate SNPs/InDels; KASP
The PCR-based technology called KASP (i.e. Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) is based on optimized, individual, DNA typing. By means of so-called FRET cassettes, the technique is able to carry out large-scale typing on DNA markers of type SNPs and InDels (Insertions / Deletions). As opposed to other PCR-based techniques, the KASP reaction works based on cheap, unlabelled, specific primers. Thus KASP offers large flexibility in terms of the design and genotyping of DNA markers. This results in most cases to a higher success rate than when DNA markers were formerly typed using other DNA technology. KASP is also extremely suitable for typing large InDels, designated as MegaDel.
The KASP technology is primarily focused on applications of 1 – 100 DNA markers.
Genotyping based on Sequence analysis; Targeted GBS
The application of next-generation sequencing technology offers a wide range of possibilities for genotyping via sequential analysis (TGBS). TGBS is increasing in importance and scope as a cost-efficient technology, and is widely applicable in routine applications in the plants and animals world.
Next-generation sequencing technology uses large-scale determination of the sequence. This is done using the simultaneous typing of hundreds to thousands of samples. In one single analysis, hundreds to thousands of DNA markers are determined. Until recently, this technology was primarily focused on research and development. It was only in 2017 that the breakthrough to routine applications was made. The technology is carried out based on so-called semiconductor chips by means of the technology known under the brand name Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing. This technology makes it possible to carry out DNA tests simultaneously in the field of e.g. marker-assisted selection, hereditary characteristics, genetic markers, verification of the identity and various characteristics in the field of agrigenomics.
The TGBS technology is primarily focused on applications of 100 – 5,000 DNA markers.
Array and BeadChip Genotyping
Two techniques are available for typing large numbers of DNA markers per sample. These are the Illumina BeadChips and the Affymetrix Genome Arrays. Both techniques are based on DNA chips, whereby the DNA markers are typed at a micro-scale. Here, many thousands of DNA markers are typed simultaneously. Both these techniques are available as routine applications, whereby it is possible to add one's own DNA markers besides the fixed sets of markers. A list of fixed sets of markers is available on our brand websites. The technology is in principle suitable for typing copy number variation (CNV detection).
The Array and BeadChip technology is primarily focused on applications in the order of magnitude of 5,000 – 1,000,000 DNA markers per sample.
Microsatellite (STR) Genotyping
This technique for determining the length of a DNA marker has been in use since 1980. The technique is used on a wide scale to analyze so-called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Usually, STRs are designated by the term microsatellites. A set of 15 – 25 microsatellites are often used with parentage verification or other forms of kinship analysis.
This technology is based on a separate PCR reaction, which is typed subsequent to capillary electrophoresis (CE). Due to the extensive experience with microsatellites within our organization, own marker panels are developed for plants and animals. The three laboratories in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are experienced, leading DNA service providers. Through the cooperation of our distributors and other strong partners, we offer our DNA services worldwide with excellent local service.