PURAC and Greenomics (Plant Research International B.V.) announced today the completion of the whole-genome sequencing of a production strain of PURAC that produces high amounts of lactic acid. Greenomics conducted the 'shotgun cloning' and 'high quality sequencing' of the genome up to a zero-gap situation. The closed genome is accompanied by an automated annotation and a functional classification of all the genes by bioinformatics tools.
The positive results obtained so far has encouraged PURAC to continue the research in this field and to collaborate further with Greenomics in a comparative genomics project involving another lactic acid producing strain. The collaboration is not addressed at genetic modification. The results of these genomics efforts will support PURAC's gene discovery projects, and will allow PURAC to understand these lactic acid producing microorganisms at the molecular level and to establish metabolic engineering strategies. PURAC's goal is to maintain its leading position in the development of lactic acid technologies by developing new production methods for lactic acid, resulting in new products, lower production costs and less waste.
PURAC is the world's largest and most experienced manufacturer of natural L (+) -lactic acid and lactates, with factories in Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands and the USA - plus aworldwide sales network. PURAC is a subsidiary of CSM nv, an internationally operating company active in the development, production, sale and distribution of food ingredients and confectionery. CSM's mainproduct groups are bakery ingredients and products, confectionery, sugar and lactic acid. CSM nv has an annual turnover of EUR 3.6 billion and operates in Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil and Asia. It employs approximately13,000 staff.
Greenomics, the sequencing center of Plant Research International B.V. is being recognized as a leading source of genomic sequencing in The Netherlands. The range of services provided to the customers includes besides genomic sequencing, cDNA and PCR sequencing, genotyping, DNA microarray and bioinformatics. Customers to Greenomics include several world-leading agro-food and ag-biotech companies.
List of press releases for 2002