US firm Celera Genomics, which has almost finished its version of the entire human genome, is to join forces with Geron Corporation to investigate early human embryo development. 'The collaboration is going to produce the genetic blueprint used by Mother Nature to build a human body, cell by cell, tissue by tissue' claimed Thomas Okarma, president of Geron.
Geron specialise in research into embryo stem cells - cells that grow into all the different tissues and organs in the growing embryo. The deal will allow Geron to identify the genes involved in this process, using Celera's human genetic information. In turn, Celera will use the data for its 'annotated' human genome, a private database that will include information about the location and function of human genes.
Geron hopes to gain a greater understanding of how stem cells give rise to more specialised cell types, in order to develop therapies for a range of illnesses. 'Our work under this alliance will bring us one step closer to realising the therapeutic potential of human stem cells' said Thomas Okarma.
Last week's announcement, which did not disclose any financial details of the deal, boosted shares in Geron by 15 per cent.
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Celera and Geron join forces over stem cell gene analysis
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Organs to order
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Celera forms stem cell alliance