University Of Minnesota Scientists Pioneer PARTAGE Method For Integrated Genomic Analysis In Cancer Research

The new PARTAGE method allows scientists to measure DNA replication and gene activity simultaneously, providing a clearer view of genomic disruption in cancer.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 9:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the University of Minnesota Medical School via EurekAlert!

A Unified Approach To Genomic Regulation Mapping

A significant technological advancement in the field of genetics has emerged from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Researchers have successfully developed a new methodology called PARTAGE, which stands for Parallel Analysis of Replication Timing, Gene Expression, and Copy Number. This technique allows scientists to capture three vital genomic features from a single sample, a task that previously required multiple, separate experiments. According to Juan Carlos Rivera-Mulia, an assistant professor and the study’s principal investigator, this integrated approach provides a far more complete view of how the genome is regulated and how those regulations fail in the presence of disease.

Connecting DNA Replication With Gene Expression

The primary benefit of the PARTAGE system is its ability to link the timing of DNA duplication with active gene expression and structural alterations. Traditionally, studying these processes in isolation made it difficult for researchers to understand how a cell coordinates its complex internal functions. The study, published in the journal Genome Research, demonstrates that there is a powerful correlation between early DNA replication and high levels of gene activity. By observing these phenomena together, the research team can better identify the precise moments when cellular machinery begins to deviate from healthy patterns, particularly in the context of rapid cancer cell growth.

Precision Detection Of Genomic Alterations

In addition to tracking replication and expression, PARTAGE excels at identifying specific genomic malfunctions, such as extra or missing segments of DNA. These copy number variations are common hallmarks of cancer and other serious genetic conditions. The research, led by co-first authors Lakshana Sruthi Sadu Murari and Quinn Dickinson, proves that this new method is just as accurate as the current gold standard techniques used in laboratories today. By streamlining the detection of these alterations into a single workflow, the team has reduced the margin for error and increased the speed at which complex cellular profiles can be analyzed.