Learn about LAMP, WGA, and more

Limited sample material resulting in insufficient DNA input is a common hurdle for downstream analysis. This problem can be solved using a variety of methods, including techniques that utilize isothermal amplification. Several methods of isothermal amplification are available—each with advantages and challenges. In this webinar, we will cover two methods which are commonly used in today’s laboratories: (1) whole genome amplification (WGA) and (2) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

WGA is a valuable tool to produce large quantities of genomic DNA from limited samples or even single cells. Using a WGA technique called multiple strand displacement amplification (MDA), we will show how the challenges of low DNA input can be overcome using a next generation enzyme, EquiPhi29 DNA Polymerase, an engineered phi29 DNA polymerase mutant. We will demonstrate that uniform amplification can be obtained from single cells, while leveraging time-saving protocols.

Another method of isothermal amplification, LAMP, is a low cost and rapid method for detecting low amounts of DNA. This technique eliminates the need for a thermal cycler and is increasingly used in rugged field settings for the rapid diagnosis of plant pathogens or infectious disease agents like malaria, Zika, or tuberculosis. We will show how LAMP is used in specific molecular diagnostics applications.

Learning objectives:

• Understand how the challenges of amplification from low input DNA, including single cells, can be overcome
• Discover why more researchers are using a next generation enzyme, EquiPhi29 DNA Polymerase, to obtain uniform DNA amplification by MDA
• Learn about the utility of LAMP for molecular diagnostic assay development

Agne Alminaite, PhD
Product Manager, Custom Molecular Biology Products Management Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Dr. Alminaite studied Molecular Biology at Vilnius University, Lithuania and earned her PhD in Virology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. She worked as a scientific consultant for the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru. In 2011, Agne joined Thermo Fisher Scientific and after several years in R&D, she advanced to a role in product management. She is currently the Product Manager for Custom Molecular Biology Products, covering the portfolio that includes all the isothermal amplification enzymes, including Phi29, the Phi29 polymerase mutant - Equiphi29, and the Bsm DNA polymerase as well as broad spectrum of enzymes for DNA and RNA modification, NGS, and cloning.

Remigijus Skirgaila, PhD
Lead R&D Manager, NGS Library Preparation and Protein In Vitro Evolution Group
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Dr. Remigijus Skirgaila earned his PhD in Biochemistry from Vilnius University, Lithuania, completed a postdoc at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and, in 2005, joined Thermo Fisher Scientific. He is currently the lead Senior R&D Manager for NGS library preparation and protein in vitro evolution. He led the development of market-leading Superscript IV and Maxima H-reverse transcriptases, as well as Platinum SuperFi and Platinum Taq II PCR enzymes. In addition to RT-PCR enzymes, Remigijus was also involved in the development of the new generation phi29 polymerase known as Equiphi29, which was specifically designed for fast and uniform whole genome amplification (WGA) by multiple displacement amplification (MDA).