MRI: Acquisition of equipment for microbial single cell genomics research

知识价值：pi建议获得仪器，这些仪器将构成该机构新的微生物单细胞基因组学设施的基础。单细胞基因组学代表了一种研究非培养微生物的新方法，并作为宏基因组学的补充。该仪器将有助于研究生物地球化学和微生物相互作用、微生物进化和多样性以及生物技术。提议的仪器包括：纳升试剂分配器，热板封口机，PCR罩，厌氧室，液体处理工作站，实时PCR热循环仪，超冷冷冻室和生物信息学计算机集群。所要求的仪器将实现高通量湿实验室和计算DNA分析，并有助于减少DNA污染和总体每样品成本，这是迄今为止单细胞基因组学最重要的两个限制。新设施将与现有的水生细胞仪设施密切合作，使用既定的用户费用、时间表和协议。首席PI将负责仪器的采购、安装和操作的全面管理。将雇用一名兼职技术员负责湿式实验室仪器。这些仪器最初将被安置在不同的实验室，但在2010年该机构新实验室设施建设后，将被安置到一个专门的工作空间。更广泛的影响：除了建立一个共享使用的设施，使人们能够获得单细胞基因组学技术外，pi还建议每年开设一门单细胞DNA分析课程，并将单细胞基因组学课程纳入现有课程。pi还将鼓励学院和大学的教师和学生实地访问。

Intellectual Merit:The PIs propose to acquire instrumentation that will form the basis for a new microbial single cell genomics facility at the institution. Single cell genomics represents a novel approach to study uncultured microorganisms and serves as a complement to metagenomics. The proposed instrumentation will enable research efforts investigating biogeochemistry and microbial interactions, microbial evolution and diversity, and biotechnology. The proposed instrumentation includes: nanoliter reagent dispenser, a thermal plate sealer, a PCR hood, an anaerobic chamber, a liquid handling workstation, a real-time PCR thermocycler, an ultracold freezer, and a bioinformatics computer cluster. The requested instrumentation would enable high throughput wetlab and computational DNA analyses and help reduce DNA contamination and overall per-sample costs, two of the most significant limitations for single cell genomics to date. The new facility will be operated in close collaboration with an existing aquatic cytometry facility using established user fees, scheduling and protocols. The lead PI will be responsible for the overall management of the purchase, installation, and operation of the instrumentation. A part-time technician will be employed for the wet lab instrumentation. The instrumentation will initially be located in different laboratories, but will be relocated to a dedicated workspace upon construction of new laboratory facilities at the institution projected for 2010. Broader Impacts:In addition to establishing a shared-use facility to enable access to single cell genomics techniques, the PIs propose developing an annual course in single cell DNA analysis, as well as incorporating classes on single cell genomics into existing courses. The PIs will also encourage on-site visits by college and university faculty and students.