April 14, 2012 - Tecan’s Infinite® M1000 plate reader has enabled researchers at the Institute of Entomology (ENTU), Czech Republic, to automate hourly luminescence measurement of transgenic Drosophila for the study of insect circadian clocks. Dr David Doležel, a researcher at ENTU, explained: “The expression of circadian genes is studied using transgenic Drosophila containing luciferase reporter genes controlled by the promoter of the gene under study. This requires a microplate reader that includes a luminescence module equipped with filters to discriminate between red and green luciferases, allowing us to follow multiple genes per well. Automatic plate transfer is also essential in order for measurements to be performed at regular intervals throughout the day and night.”
D. melanogaster (left), classic model of genetics, compared to the housefly, Musca domestica
David continued: “The Infinite M1000’s compact size means that it fits easily into our laboratory incubator, so we can precisely control light and temperature and investigate the effect of environmental variables. Its microplate format allows us to load hundreds of flies into the plate reader at the same time, automating large-scale screens of mutant Drosophila strains and performing hundreds of measurements over a period of up to two weeks. Overall, we have been very impressed by the system’s performance and flexibility.”
About Tecan
Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory instruments and solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics and clinical diagnostics. The company specializes in the development, production and distribution of automated workflow solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. Its clients include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, university research departments, forensic and diagnostic laboratories. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments and components that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2010, Tecan generated sales of CHF 371 million (USD 356 million; EUR 269 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/ ISIN: 1210019).
To find out more about Tecan’s Infinite M1000 plate reader, visit www.tecan.com/infinitem1000
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