Devgen conducts genetic research on a roundworm on eServersGhenth 29 May 2001 Belgium-based biotech company Devgen NV has deployed IBM technology to conduct genetic research on a microscopic roundworm (C. elegans). This research will help identify new drug targets and leads for human diseases such as diabetes, depression, obesity and many others, as well as insecticide discovery.
Devgen's new system includes a cluster of IBM eServer systems (2 pSeries model H80s and 20 xSeries model 330s) running Linux and AIX, which is used to analyze genome information. Devgen's core technology involves the use of C. elegans to identify validated drug targets and in vivo active compounds. By studying this transparent worm, Devgen researchers can better understand gene interactions in humans that trigger chemical reactions in cells and cause diseases, and narrow the search for medical treatments.
"Given the increasing availability of completely sequenced genomes, Devgen has designed a powerful system that enables rapid deciphering of huge volumes of data and the uncovering of genetic patterns that hold the key to important new drugs," said Dr. Wim Van Criekinge, Devgen's director of bioinformatics and genomics. "We are doubling our capacity every ten months, so scalability is an important factor. In addition, we need an information technology infrastructure that supports both UNIX and Linux. IBM is the logical choice as a strategic technology partner."
The system includes a unique, proprietary hardware platform that is uncoupled and scalable in both storage and crunching capacity. Devgen completed this high performance system with software solutions that realize the full potential of the hardware and present the results interactively to the biologist.
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