An Automated DNA Sequencer for Brown University

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A group of faculty in the Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (MCB) and Molecular Pharmacology and Biotechnology (MPB) at Brown Uliversity seeks funds for the purchase of an Applied Biosystems, Inc. ABI 377 Automated DNA Sequencer and dedicated thermal cycler for use with the ABI 377. This equipment will be operated as a multi-user facility with four major users (Hawrot, Hendrickson, Rand, Zaret) and eight minor users (Biggins, Cane, Gerbi, Landy, Marshal, Mowry, Wessel, Wharton). The research conducted with this Sequencer ranges from the analysis of mutants of known genes (Biggins, Cane, Hawrot, Landy, Mowry, Wharton, Zaret) to the characterization of new genomic sequences (Cane, Gerbi, Hendrickson, Marshal, Wessel Wharton) to studies of genetic variation and evolution of well-characterized loci (Rand). This piece of equipment will provide a significant increase in research productivity and competitiveness as each of the users currently does sequencing by "hand." At present, there is no automated DNA sequencer at Brown University, nor in the entire state of Rhode Island. For most of the major users, acquiring the DNA sequence of cloned or amplified genes is a major burden to research progress. A substantial proportion of sequencing effort falls on the shoulders of graduate students. Hence, an automated DNA sequencer will have a significant impact on graduate education by allowing students to focus on more intellectually challenging research and direct more effort towards creative experimental design. Brown University will provide 48.8% of the funds for the purchase of the ABI 377, and will pay the salary of the staff member (Charles Setterlund) who will be the dedicated person responsible for operating this equipment.