An Automated DNA Sequencer for Microsatellite Genotyping of Social Insects and Sequencing in Molecular Biology

0070330 Joan E.Strassman水稻大学用于社会昆虫微卫星基因分型和分子生物学测序的自动DNA测序仪蜜蜂或蚂蚁等社会昆虫为研究合作和冲突的进化提供了主要的模型系统之一。要了解这些特征的进化，需要估计个体之间的关联性，以及估计谁复制了多少。进行这些估算的理想工具是自动DNA测序仪。自动测序仪使研究基因的新突变和确定这些基因的特征成为可能。此外，对社会中的个体进行基因分型使了解家庭和种群中基因的动态成为可能。自动测序和基因分型方法比它们所取代的人工方法更快、更准确。在国家科学基金会的支持下，将购买一台ABI 377自动DNA测序仪，并进行升级和软件。此外，还将购买测序仪有效运行所必需的外围设备，包括分光光度计、离心机和凝胶加载器。收购自动测序仪将在多个层面上受益。它将为莱斯大学的学生提供关于理解遗传学及其应用的一种重要设备的动手培训。学生将更容易进入从生物技术公司到基础研究机构的遗传学高级课程和职位。此外，测序仪还将被用来了解是什么使人造血红蛋白变得更好，这是人造血液中的关键成分。最后，测序仪将用于了解与一类重要的神经疾病有关的DNA微卫星的动态。

ABSTRACT0070330Joan E. StrassmannRice UniversityAn Automated DNA Sequencer for Microsatellite Genotyping of Social Insects and Sequencing in Molecular Biology Social insects like the bee or the ant provide one of the chief model systems for studying the evolution of cooperation and conflict. Understanding the evolution of such traits requires estimates of relatedness between individuals and estimates of who reproduces how much. The ideal tool for making these estimates is an automated DNA sequencer. An automated sequencer makes it possible to study new mutations in genes and to characterize those genes. In addition, genotyping individuals in the society makes it possible to understand the dynamics of genes in families and in populations. Automated approaches to sequencing and genotyping are much faster and more accurate than the manual methods they replace. With support from the National Science Foundation, an ABI 377 automated DNA sequencer with upgrades and software will be purchased. Peripheral equipment essential to the efficient operation of the sequencer including a spectrophotometer, a centrifuge, and a gel loader will also be purchased. The acquisition of an automated sequencer will be beneficial at a number of levels. It will give students at Rice hands-on training on an important piece of equipment for understanding genetics and its applications. Students will more easily enter advanced programs and positions in genetics from biotechnology companies to basic research institutions. In addition, the sequencer will be used to understanding what makes a better artificial hemoglobin, the key component in artificial blood. Finally, the sequencer will be used to understanding the dynamics of DNA microsatellites that are implicated in an important class of neurological diseases.