Acquisition of Equipment for a Comprehensive Agricultural Genomics Laboratory at Purdue University

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Funds are requested for instrumentation needed to establish a Comprehensive Agricultural Genomics Laboratory at Purdue University. Over the past five years, Purdue has strengthened its capabilities in plant and microbial genetics. The Purdue Genetics Program was founded and funded by University resources and an NSF Training Grant in Plant Genetics. Purdue now plans to expand this program with the establishment of a comprehensive program in agricultural genomics. Current instrumentation for genomic research runs with a substantial backlog and there is great need to enhance available resources to accommodate the expected increase in demand as the program in agricultural genomics expands. The instrumentation to be purchased by the award falls into three categories: (1) DNA sequence and analysis and genome mapping; (2) informatics; and (3) functional genomics. Funds will provide four DNA sequencers and associated equipment; two Sparc computers; two micro array machines and additional microscopes and support equipment. This equipment will support analysis of the structure of several plant and fungal genomes. Comprehensive cDNA cloning of genes expressed in both pathogens and their plant hosts will identify major components of these interactions. Similar approach will be taken to study the molecular genetics of secondary product synthesis, cell wall development, cytoskeletal interactions or protein-DNA interactions. Studies will also be initiated on microbial diversity in standard versus polluted soils.