AUTOMATED DNA ANALYSIS SYSTEM

该提案旨在为377型自动DNA测序仪（PE Biosystems）提供资金。UMDNJ-罗伯特·伍德约翰逊医学院和罗格斯大学的研究人员将使用该设备进行DNA序列测定和DNA片段电泳分析。这种测序仪将使科学家能够使用非放射性同位素方法，从而减少这些实验的费用，危害和环境影响。数据将比类似的手工方法更快、更准确地获得，并将通过校内计算机网络直接提供给各个研究人员的实验室，以消除文书错误。主要研究者Terri Goss Kinzy博士的研究领域主要和次要用户包括转录、翻译、mRNA衰变、发育和癌症生物学的机制和调节。这些项目的资金来自美国国立卫生研究院或国家科学基金会的一项或多项赠款。这些设备将位于UMDNJ罗伯特伍德约翰逊医学院500平方英尺的中央DNA核心实验室，多年来，该实验室一直为内部科学家和罗格斯大学的科学家提供DNA服务。目前，有100多名研究人员使用该设施的服务，该设施目前运行一台377型测序仪。在过去两年中，实验室的使用量大大增加，因此需要更大容量（96个样本）的测序仪。需要这台机器的实验室对DNA测序的主要需求超出了目前机器的能力。此外，任何额外的能力将提供给目前机器的其他用户，其中包括罗格斯大学的50多个实验室。罗格斯大学没有一般用途的核心DNA测序设施，所要求的机器也将用于支持高中和本科教育的DNA测序项目。此外，利用377型DNA测序仪，最近可获得更广泛的DNA分析技术，如微卫星不稳定性和杂合性丢失分析。核心设施的训练有素的人员将运行和维护所有设备，以确保最佳质量和速度。这些人员还将向这一设备的所有用户不断提供技术支助。

This proposal seeks funding for a Model 377 Automated DNA Sequencer (PE Biosystems). This equipment will be used for DNA sequence determination and electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragments by investigators at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers University. This sequencer will enable scientists to use non- radioisotope methods, thus reducing the expense, hazard and environmental impact of these experiments. Data will be obtained more rapidly and accurately than by comparable manual methods, and will be provided directly via the on-campus computer network to the laboratories of individual investigators to eliminate clerical errors. Areas of investigation of the Principal Investigator, Terri Goss Kinzy, Ph.D. the major and minor users include the mechanisms and regulation of transcription, translation, mRNA decay, development, and cancer biology. Funding for these projects is through one or more grants from National Institutes of Health or the National Science Foundation. The equipment will be located in the 500 square foot central DNA Core Laboratory of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School which, for many years, has been providing DNA services for in-house scientists and those at Rutgers University. Currently, over 100 investigators utilize the services of this facility which at present, operates one Model 377 Sequencer. Usage of the laboratory has increased greatly over the past two years, such that a larger capacity (96-sample) sequencer is necessary. The laboratories requesting this machine have major needs for DNA sequencing beyond the capacity of the current machine. Additionally, any extra capacity will be available to other users of the current machine, which includes more than 50 laboratories at Rutgers University. Rutgers University has no core DNA sequencing facility for general use, and the requested machine will also be used to support DNA sequencing projects for high school and undergraduate education. In addition, a wider range of DNA analytical techniques has recently become available utilizing the Model 377 DNA Sequencer, such as analysis of microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity. Trained personnel of the core facility will run and maintain all equipment to ensure optimal quality and speed. These personnel will also provide ongoing technical support to all users of this equipment.