corp_html/multi/MIXIS-Sci-TechPR.htm

<p><b>Scientific Background</b></p>
<p>Mismatch Repair is a fundamental process, found in all living cells from bacteria 
  to humans, and functions to maintain the integrity of DNA and the separation 
  of species. Mismatch Repair Systems functions to:</p>
<ul>
  <li>repair errors made during DNA replication</li>
  <li>provide a genetic barrier to speciation by preventing genetic recombination 
    between totally or partially divergent species.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mutations in or inactivation of the Mismatch Repair genes allow high levels 
  of recombination between divergent DNA sequences, including genomes of different 
  species. Normally, recombination between regions of such homeologous (partially 
  homologous) DNA occurs at a negligible rates. However, when Mismatch Repair 
  is not operating, recombination frequencies increase by more than 1000 fold 
  (see figure).</p>
<p>The role of Mismatch Repair in recombination and speciation was discovered 
  by Prof. Miroslav Radman and his co-workers, a world renown group in the fields 
  of DNA repair and "Homeologous Recombination". The patents describing the broad 
  application of this discovery were the basis for founding MIXIS France.</p>
<p><b>Technology</b></p>
<p>MIXIS technology mimics the molecular strategy of the immune system to generate 
  diversity. Inhibition of Mismatch Repair allows recombination between homeologous 
  sequences to generate mosaics of pre-existing sequences, and elevates mutation 
  rates to create de novo variation.</p>
<p>MIXIS core technology allows single genes or even genomes of interest to be 
  driven through an accelerated evolution process (see figure): Homeologous parental 
  genes or genomes can be recombined repeatedly under Mismatch Repair deficient 
  conditions, resulting in mosaic genes and genomes. These novel genes will code 
  for novel proteins or biosynthesis products.</p>
<p>With an appropriate screening system, the MIXIS technology can allow identification 
  of gene products - low molecular weight entities, proteins, organisms - with 
  desired properties.</p>
<p>Because of its <b>simplicity</b>, <b>speed</b> and <b>versatility</b> MIXIS 
  technology represents a unique and powerful tool in the compound discovery and 
  development process.</p>
<p align="center"><img src="p/mixisGene.gif" width="270" height="379"></p>
<p>The MIXIS method is easy to use (in vivo recombination) and is, therefore, 
  quantitatively and qualitatively the most powerful method available for generation 
  of repertoires of genetic diversity.</p>
<p>A critical advantage of the MIXIS technology is its ability to produce diversity 
  within complex metabolic pathways without requiring a detailed knowledge of 
  the genes involved.</p>
<p>Thanks to a strategic alliance with PLIVA Research Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, 
  MIXIS has access to all upstream activities necessary to screen, identify, characterise 
  and produce novel recombinant genes and their products.</p>
<p><b>Applications</b></p>
<p>MIXIS technology can be applied to several fields of life science research 
  and development:</p>
<ul>
  <li>generation of novel, low molecular weight chemical entities, even those 
    produced by complex metabolic pathways, for use as pharmaceuticals, crop protection, 
    etc.</li>
  <li>optimisation of activities of macromolecules such as proteins, (substrate 
    specificity, stability, activity, etc.)</li>
  <li>generation of organisms with desired properties, such as micro-organisms 
    designed for enhanced production under stressful conditions or with modified 
    substrate specificity, as might be required for environmental protection applications. 
  </li>
</ul>
1	<p><b>Scientific Background</b></p>
2	<p>Mismatch Repair is a fundamental process, found in all living cells from bacteria
3	to humans, and functions to maintain the integrity of DNA and the separation
4	of species. Mismatch Repair Systems functions to:</p>
5	<ul>
6	<li>repair errors made during DNA replication</li>
7	<li>provide a genetic barrier to speciation by preventing genetic recombination
8	between totally or partially divergent species.</li>
9	</ul>
10	<p>Mutations in or inactivation of the Mismatch Repair genes allow high levels
11	of recombination between divergent DNA sequences, including genomes of different
12	species. Normally, recombination between regions of such homeologous (partially
13	homologous) DNA occurs at a negligible rates. However, when Mismatch Repair
14	is not operating, recombination frequencies increase by more than 1000 fold
15	(see figure).</p>
16	<p>The role of Mismatch Repair in recombination and speciation was discovered
17	by Prof. Miroslav Radman and his co-workers, a world renown group in the fields
18	of DNA repair and "Homeologous Recombination". The patents describing the broad
19	application of this discovery were the basis for founding MIXIS France.</p>
20	<p><b>Technology</b></p>
21	<p>MIXIS technology mimics the molecular strategy of the immune system to generate
22	diversity. Inhibition of Mismatch Repair allows recombination between homeologous
23	sequences to generate mosaics of pre-existing sequences, and elevates mutation
24	rates to create de novo variation.</p>
25	<p>MIXIS core technology allows single genes or even genomes of interest to be
26	driven through an accelerated evolution process (see figure): Homeologous parental
27	genes or genomes can be recombined repeatedly under Mismatch Repair deficient
28	conditions, resulting in mosaic genes and genomes. These novel genes will code
29	for novel proteins or biosynthesis products.</p>
30	<p>With an appropriate screening system, the MIXIS technology can allow identification
31	of gene products - low molecular weight entities, proteins, organisms - with
32	desired properties.</p>
33	<p>Because of its <b>simplicity</b>, <b>speed</b> and <b>versatility</b> MIXIS
34	technology represents a unique and powerful tool in the compound discovery and
35	development process.</p>
36	<p align="center"><img src="p/mixisGene.gif" width="270" height="379"></p>
37	<p>The MIXIS method is easy to use (in vivo recombination) and is, therefore,
38	quantitatively and qualitatively the most powerful method available for generation
39	of repertoires of genetic diversity.</p>
40	<p>A critical advantage of the MIXIS technology is its ability to produce diversity
41	within complex metabolic pathways without requiring a detailed knowledge of
42	the genes involved.</p>
43	<p>Thanks to a strategic alliance with PLIVA Research Institute in Zagreb, Croatia,
44	MIXIS has access to all upstream activities necessary to screen, identify, characterise
45	and produce novel recombinant genes and their products.</p>
46	<p><b>Applications</b></p>
47	<p>MIXIS technology can be applied to several fields of life science research
48	and development:</p>
49	<ul>
50	<li>generation of novel, low molecular weight chemical entities, even those
51	produced by complex metabolic pathways, for use as pharmaceuticals, crop protection,
52	etc.</li>
53	<li>optimisation of activities of macromolecules such as proteins, (substrate
54	specificity, stability, activity, etc.)</li>
55	<li>generation of organisms with desired properties, such as micro-organisms
56	designed for enhanced production under stressful conditions or with modified
57	substrate specificity, as might be required for environmental protection applications.
58	</li>
59	</ul>