Services

	Genomic Breeding
	Genomic Breeding is defined as modern innovative breeding that uses contemporary technology for marker assisted breeding and genomics. Genetwister uses a variety of techniques and approaches to incorporate previously unavailable genetic information into commercial breeding programs. Genetwister has developed MolTrack™, a dedicated molecular trait identification program for marker discovery. Markers are used by Genetwister in several techniques, including Marker Assisted Selection (markers linked to major genes), Low-density SNP panels (candidate genes or dedicated small sets of SNPs for quantitative traits or cultivar typing) and Association Mapping (quantitative traits, large numbers of SNPs, detection of functional mutations).
	Bio-marker discovery
	Genetwister uses combinations of nanosequencing, proprietary technology, comparative expression profiling and genetic disequilibrium data leading to large datasets. Relevant molecular markers are identified from these datasets through statistical analysis using proprietary software. SNP discovery: SNPs can be identified in a crop of interest through analysis of the transcriptome, or other relevant parts of the genome using our proprietary ELGD™ technology. This approach allows rapid detection of SNPs in selected areas of the genome. Polymorphisms are preferentially identified around expressed loci, implying a direct link with traits in combination with our SNPaware™ software. SNP detection: Genotyping provides measurements of the genetic variation between members of a species, and SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation. A very diverse range of SNP genotyping methods have been developed. Genetwister offers different detection methods, depending on the number of SNPs and the number of individuals that need to be genotyped. Cultivar typing or variety typing is a service resulting from the genotyping with SNPs. Discrimination between closely related cultivars is often difficult. Genetwister offers DNA based cultivar typing as a convenient method for identification of cultivars. Such bar coding can be used to reveal parentage and genetic relations.
	Molecular Trait Characterization
	A core activity of Genetwister is molecular identification and characterization of mono- and polygenetic phenotypes of agri- and horticultural crops. Departments of the company collaborate in application of a wide variety of techniques ranging from comparative expression profiling, metabolic profiling, association breeding or linkage disequilibrium analysis, functional genomics to QTL-mapping.
	Green Biotechnology
	Green Biotechnology uses modern biotechnology for agricultural applications. Biotechnology employs genetic engineering including cell and tissue culture technologies to understand and reprogram life forms. Genetwister has become an expert in these technologies for application in agri- and horticultural crops. By integrating its in-house areas of expertise the company has a strong Green Biotechnology platform to improve agronomic traits (e.g. stress tolerance), but also to turn plants or plant cells into efficient green factories for production of high value compounds (e.g. oil content or biopolymers). At Genetwister, areas of expertise in Green Biotechnology include: Genetic engineering focuses on molecular cloning and transformation to enable the transport of genes between organisms in order to modify one or more characteristics of a target organism, e.g. a plant species. Genetwister employs a wide range of transformation techniques developed or optimized by its team of cell biologists. Gene isolation and cloning includes inter-species PCR approaches for the isolation of species-specific genes and regulatory elements. Genetwister also uses its recombinant DNA know-how for construction of dedicated expression vectors in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Tissue culture techniques: A wide range of tissue culture techniques is practised by the company or its affiliates. Genetwister has long time experience with development of Regeneration & Transformation or propagation protocols for recalcitrant crops. Extensive experience with embryo culturing, embryo-rescue, virus-free plant production and propagation is present. Genetwister has also put efforts in photobioreactor technology for growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria currently used at the company as green cell factories. Metabolic engineering has become a major focus for Genetwister. It is the practice to optimize genetic and regulatory processes within cells to increase production of one or more substances of interest, (e.g. biodiesel or biopolymers). Engineering traits like insect resistance (e.g. volatile signaling) or flower color is also possible. By combining metabolic profiling and transcriptome analysis, pathway analysis becomes possible and key genes responsible for the production of metabolites of interest can be identified. The activity of gene pathways can be modulated through engineering, the effect of which can be monitored molecularly and biochemically. Functional analyses including molecular characterisation and phenotyping are routine procedures in selection of plants engineered by Genetwister itself or third parties.
	Diagnostics
	After Genetwister gained a lot of experience with marker discovery for Molecular Diagnostics, the application of diagnostic tests is mainly concentrated in associated companies like GT Diagnostics B.V., Fruitmaster Expressive Research B.V. and Genetwister Africa Pty. Ltd.
	Research and consultancy
	Next to offering “a la carte” solutions to its clients, Genetwister is eager to establish partnerships for development of dedicated technologies and the exploration of new market opportunities. The individual Departments work in a collaborative setting with the other Departments of the company as well as with external academic and industrial partners.