MRI: Acquisition of a Next Generation Sequencing System for Genomics Research and Training at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

授予马萨诸塞州洛厄尔大学（UML）获得下一代测序（NGS）系统，这将提供UML教师，学生，工作人员和外部社区合作伙伴与当前的基因组学仪器和培训。该系统的核心是Illumina NextSeq 500桌面测序仪，它将显著推进UML基础设施，用于在生物工程、进化生物学和环境科学领域进行创新的基因组水平研究。Illumina仪器和相关设备将满足对现代基础设施的迫切需求，以支持UML的基因组学研究和培训，以前校园里没有DNA测序仪器。Illumina机器还将被纳入以学生为中心的研究，体验式课程和UML的推广活动，以扩大对前沿研究的参与，并为学生提供生物技术职业专业培训的机会。许多UML学生进入该地区重要的生物技术劳动力，并授予Illumina仪器将通过让学生接触现代测序技术来加强当地经济。该奖项将丰富UML的教育，开发一个NGS学习模块，该模块将在几个本科和研究生课程中实施。将为教师、学生和外部用户举办一个专门讨论Illumina仪器使用和应用的讲习班。在UML举行的年度NGS研究和教育研讨会将促进合作并吸引该工具的新用户。马萨诸塞州洛厄尔大学为种族和经济多样化的学生团体提供服务，采用NGS系统的教师将招募代表性不足的少数民族和女学生参加涉及使用Illumina仪器的研究。此外，在服务学习基因组学课程UML本科生将设计NGS和基因组学的高中学生介绍。 因此，该项目的社会效益将包括提高公众的科学素养，降低科学参与的障碍，并加强区域经济。该奖项将在UML建立一个新的基因组学核心设施，其中有40名教师和学生进行基因组为重点的研究。NGS系统将大大推进不同学科的研究，采用新Illumina仪器的项目包括旨在了解以下内容的项目：1）微量元素细胞代谢; 2）毒液进化基因组学; 3）微生物群落结构; 4）后生动物生殖; 5）NGS组装软件性能;以及6）免疫细胞发育的转录控制。这些研究将利用Illumina仪器进行一系列技术，包括：1）靶向基因组重测序; 2）全转录组测序; 3）全基因组表达水平的定量; 4）从环境样本中扩增的微生物DNA测序; 5）染色质免疫沉淀测序，以确定基因组调控区和DNA-蛋白质相互作用。 因此，该奖项将大大扩大UML教师和学生的研究机会，并加强支持生物研究的知识环境。

An award is made to the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) to acquire a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) system, which will provide UML faculty, students, staff and external community partners with current genomics instrumentation and training. The system centerpiece, an Illumina NextSeq 500 Desktop Sequencer, will significantly advance UML infrastructure for conducting innovative genomic-level research in biological engineering, evolutionary biology and environmental sciences. The Illumina instrument and associated equipment will meet an acute need for modern infrastructure to support genomics research and training at UML, where previously there was no DNA sequencing instrument on campus. The Illumina machine will also be incorporated into student-centered research, experiential coursework and outreach activities at UML to broaden participation in cutting-edge research and expand opportunities for students in professional training for biotechnology careers. Numerous UML students enter the regionally important biotechnology workforce, and the awarded Illumina instrument will strengthen the local economy by exposing students to modern sequencing technology. The award will enrich education at UML with the development of an NGS learning module that will be implemented into several undergraduate and graduate courses. A workshop dedicated to the use and application of the Illumina instrument will be developed for faculty, students and external users. An annual NGS research and educational symposium at UML will facilitate collaborations and attract new users of the instrument. The University of Massachusetts Lowell serves an ethnically and economically diverse student body and faculty employing the NGS system will recruit underrepresented minority and female students for participation in research involving use of the Illumina instrument. In addition, UML undergraduates in a Service Learning Genomics course will devise presentations on NGS and genomics to high school students. Accordingly, societal benefits of the project will include raising scientific literacy of the public, lowering barriers to scientific participation, and strengthening the regional economy.This award will establish a new Genomics Core Facility at UML, where there are 40 faculty and students conducting genome-focused research. The NGS system will considerably advance research in diverse disciplines, and projects employing the new Illumina instrument include those aimed at understanding: 1) trace element cellular metabolism; 2) venom evolutionary genomics; 3) microbial community structure; 4) metazoan phylogeny; 5) NGS assembly software performance; and 6) transcriptional control of immune cell development. These studies will utilize the Illumina instrument to perform a spectrum of techniques including: 1) targeted genome re-sequencing; 2) whole-transcriptome sequencing; 3) quantification of genome-wide expression levels; 4) sequencing of microbial DNA amplified from environmental sample; and 5) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing to determine genome regulatory regions and DNA-protein interactions. Thus, the award will significantly expand research opportunities for UML faculty and students and enhance the intellectual environment supporting biological research.