MRI: Acquisition of equipment for microbial single cell genomics research

智力优势：私人投资机构建议获得仪器，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未培养微生物的新方法，是对元基因组学的补充。拟议的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。拟议的仪器包括：纳升试剂分配器、热板密封器、聚合酶链式反应罩、厌氧室、液体处理工作站、实时聚合酶链式反应热循环仪、超低温冷冻机和生物信息学计算机集群。所要求的仪器将实现高通量的湿法实验室和计算DNA分析，并有助于减少DNA污染和每个样本的总体成本，这是迄今为止单细胞基因组学最重要的两个限制。新的设施将与现有的水生细胞检测设施密切合作，使用既定的使用费、时间表和协议。首席PI将负责仪器设备的采购、安装和运行的全面管理。将雇用一名兼职技术员来进行湿法实验室仪器。仪器最初将设在不同的实验室，但在预计于2010年在该机构建造新的实验室设施后，将搬迁到专用工作空间。更广泛的影响：除了建立能够获得单细胞基因组技术的共用设施外，私人投资机构还建议开设单细胞DNA分析年度课程，并将单细胞基因组学课程纳入现有课程。督导计划亦会鼓励大专院校的教职员和学生到场参观。

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.