Panasonic in collaboration with Professor Naoki Sugimoto of Konan University has developed a technology for electrically identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (sequence variations in DNA]). This world-first technology provides economical and accurate identification of SNPs by measuring electrical current without attaching DNA to electrodes. This technology makes it possible to predict individuals' responses to drugs and their risk of developing disease. In the future, this technology is expected to enable hospitals or clinics to provide patients with treatments and drugs tailored to their individual physical characteristics. With this new technology, Panasonic is contributing to a more personalized medical treatment based on the patient's DNA sequence.

Press Release after the jump

Conventional electrical SNP identification technologies, which use DNA-DNA hybridization reactions to identify the differences in DNA sequences, are not only inaccurate, but also require specialized and expensive electrodes to which artificial DNA needs to be attached. Against this backdrop, Panasonic has achieved accurate SNP identification technology.

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, in collaboration with Professor Naoki Sugimoto of Konan University, has developed a technology for electrically identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs[1] (sequence variations in DNA[2]). This world-first technology* provides economical and accurate identification of SNPs by measuring electrical current without attaching DNA to electrodes.

Designing a base sequence of artificial DNA, for the DNA replication reaction, that depends strongly on the differences in DNA sequences.
Developing an electrical detection technology for phosphate compounds[3] released during DNA replication using the electrical current generated by enzyme reactions.