Simulation of polymeric translocation

聚合物易位模拟

• 批准号: 238348-2011
• 负责人: Polson, James
• 金额: $ 1.09万
• 依托单位: University of Prince Edward Island
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2012-01-01 至 2013-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=507271
• 关键词: Simulation; polymeric; translocation

DNA is a very long molecule composed of a sequence of repeating units called base pairs. The DNA of each organism has its own unique base pair sequence, which comprises all of the genetic information for that organism; consequently, it is sometimes called the "blueprint for life". Current methods for sequencing DNA are slow and very expensive. A fast and cheap sequencing method would have a major impact in biomedical research, for example, by observing and identifying the genetic mutations that give rise to drug resistance. One proposed alternative method is called "nanopore sequencing", whereby a DNA fragment is threaded through a nanometre-sized hole in a barrier, and the identity of each sequence unit is read by monitoring an electric signal as the unit passes through. Several obstacles have prevented the development of such a technology. For example, translocation is far too rapid and uncontrolled using current experimental methods. A deep understanding of the underlying physics of translocation - the transport of the DNA through the pore - could help overcome these problems and guide the development of such a technology.

DNA是一种很长的分子，由一系列称为碱基对的重复单位组成。每个生物体的DNA都有自己独特的碱基对序列，它包含了该生物体的所有遗传信息；因此，它有时被称为“生命蓝图”。目前的DNA测序方法速度慢，成本高。一种快速而廉价的测序方法将在生物医学研究中产生重大影响，例如，通过观察和识别导致耐药性的基因突变。一种被提议的替代方法被称为“纳米孔测序”，即将DNA片段穿过障碍物上的纳米大小的孔，通过监测单元通过时的电信号来读取每个序列单元的身份。有几个障碍阻碍了这种技术的发展。例如，使用目前的实验方法，易位太快，而且无法控制。深入了解易位的基本物理学--DNA通过毛孔的运输--可能有助于克服这些问题，并指导此类技术的发展。