Horizon Discovery announces partnership with Human Protein Atlas

Horizon Discovery Group (LSE: HZD) announced this week that the Human Protein Atlas will use Horizon’s CRISPR-edited knockout cell models to further expand the knowledge available in its Cell Atlas program.

Horizon specialized in the application of gene editing and gene modulation for cell line engineering. Knockout cell models offer the possibility for an enhanced validation of antibodies based on genetic strategies. That’s because the complete absence of the targeting protein correlates with a complete loss of signal for specific antibodies, according to the company.

Adding more validation data for the Human Protein Atlas’ antibodies will increase the reliability of the Cell Atlas and thereby help users find the most trustworthy tools for their research, Cambridge, U.K.–based Horizon said.

HPA, based in Sweden, started in 2003 with the goal of mapping all human proteins in cells, tissues and organs — with an open-access database for academia and industry. HPA researchers will start out by utilizing 500 of Horizon’s CRISPR-edited knockout cell models as part of large-scale protein expression and imaging studies.

“Horizon has over a decade of experience in gene editing, and a well-established reputation for providing CRISPR-edited knockout cell models,” said Emma Lundberg, the head of the HPA Cell Atlas program. “We have previously used Horizon’s cell lines in our high throughput imaging processes with great success. Using a validated gene-edited cell line where all cell models have the same background will be key to maximizing efficiency and achieving data reproducibility.”