Bionano Genomics Spearheads Novel Cancer Research with Optical Genome Mapping
Bionano Genomics, Inc. a company at the forefront of genome analysis, has recently announced a landmark achievement in cancer research. A peer-reviewed publication in the journal Cancers details a study that represents a leap forward in cancer genomics. Conducted by a team of researchers at renowned institutions, including the NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Scripps MD Anderson in La Jolla, California, the study utilized optical genome mapping (OGM) to uncover structural variants (SVs) that play a role in drug resistance and sensitivity in cancer.
The research focused on an in-depth analysis of 26 leukemia samples from 23 subjects, some of whom had experienced a relapse. By employing OGM alongside traditional cytogenetic methods such as karyotyping (KT) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the team was able to compare the effectiveness of these techniques in detecting SVs. The study was further enriched by incorporating a comprehensive drug library and a cell viability and drug screening assay to evaluate the response of leukemia-enriched cell collections to a variety of cancer drugs.
The results of the study were groundbreaking. OGM not only successfully identified all SVs detected by classical cytogenetic methods but also discovered additional variants that had not been previously reported. The research brought to light that BCR-ABL1 translocation leukemia samples were sensitive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Nilotinib, yet exhibited resistance to proteasome inhibitors. Moreover, the study identified drug sensitivities linked to previously undetected genomic rearrangements, such as sensitivities to microtubule disruptors in leukemia samples with KMT2A translocations and resistance to Bcl-2 family inhibitors.
Erik Holmlin, PhD, the president and chief executive officer of Bionano Genomics, shared his enthusiasm for the study’s findings. He underscored the biological and clinical importance of SVs and the proficiency of OGM in identifying these critical variants. Holmlin pointed out the potential ramifications of this research on pharmaceutical development and the enhancement of patient care.
Bionano Genomics is recognized for its innovative genome analysis solutions, which are designed to revolutionize the understanding of the genome. The company’s mission is to alter the global perspective of the genome through its OGM solutions, diagnostic services, and software. It provides for various applications across basic, translational, and clinical research. In addition, its Lineagen, Inc. dba Bionano Laboratories business offers diagnostic testing for patients with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The company’s software solution is industry-leading and platform-agnostic, facilitating the integration of next-generation sequencing and microarray data for a comprehensive analysis.
The collaborative study by Bionano Genomics has marked a significant step in cancer research, particularly in elucidating the influence of structural variants on drug resistance and sensitivity. The company’s dedication to advancing genomic analysis and its clinical applications highlights the importance of innovative methods in addressing complex biological challenges. The implications of this research extend far and wide, with the potential to guide new treatment strategies and enhance patient outcomes in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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