What is the GA-map® technology?
The unique GA-map® technology presents a different approach in microbiota analysis from other methods currently in use in research and clinical diagnostics. GA-map® is a pre-selected target multiplex platform allowing simultaneous analysis of a large number of bacteria in a single reaction. The technology utilizes sequence variations between different bacteria groups or species for detection and quantification.
GA-map® uses almost the full length of the 16S gene (variable regions V3-V9) to detect bacteria at low taxonomic levels (genus and species). Bacteria marker panels built on the GA-map® platform can simultaneously target multiple bacteria on different taxonomic levels.
Depending on the composition of bacteria present in each sample, the probes in the GA-map® panel will bind to their respective target DNA and produce a signal.
GA-map® assay incorporate MagPlex® microspheres for solid phase hybridization and easy readout on Luminex®200™ or MAGPIX® instruments (Luminex Corp.). The workflow allows a short turnaround time of 1-2 days.
Find out more about the Luminex® instruments here:
Visit the Luminex® website for information on the instruments
How it works in the lab
Sample collection
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/341a4de33f3a10b792fb35c4df283b75e8394a45-65x85.jpg)
STEP 1
gDNA extraction
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/3c3b886873144c8ea08cf251f7209c69675320ae-129x129.jpg)
STEP 2
Amplification of 16s rRNA gene
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/a27211b1ff2f776ac2467751ba5f55e732a17f19-82x81.jpg)
STEP 3
Quantification of PCR product
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/07f4d8626b03010d717b1a32ff8e61010668fb84-129x129.jpg)
STEP 4
Clean-up of PCR product
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/4fb221d8be92394709d52ab6bf446ccdeea4acdc-129x129.jpg)
STEP 5
End-labeling of probe set
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/46f8f35781fb3ae9ab2bcd6f00b5cfe62fce3b74-136x86.jpg)
STEP 6
Hybridization and signal detection
Data QC and results generation
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/2be497734b01390c1d267671b9fae1a73ec19891-1361x1270.jpg)
Probe design
Our microbiome expertise extends to probe and primer design for custom GA-map® and PCR assays. Our unique and proprietary oligonucleotide design workflow ensures high specificity, documented for each probe/primer through extensive in silico and in vitro testing.
The GA-map® platform can host high multiplex assays targeting up to 500 markers in one reaction. We also offer custom design of probes and primers suitable for rapid qPCR assays.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/0iqq6uqw/production/7ba7612a1b4c9f6cdf3b02f96d3d372abb947090-6000x4000.jpg)
Custom panels
Are you looking to put together a pre-selected bacteria marker panel or have you identified a specific signature? The GA-map® platform provides the perfect ground for transforming clinical research results into ready-to-use diagnostic solutions. Thanks to the high level of standardization, easy laboratory workflow and uncomplicated data handling, GA-map® enables CE-IVD certification of microbiota assays, making it the ideal choice for:
- Companion diagnostic assays
- Screening assays
- Targeted profiling assays