EAGER: Encapsulation and sequencing of extracellular DNA

该项目将开发和验证一种方法，利用一种名为环境微室基因组学(EMCG)的技术对海洋中的单个细胞外元素进行基因组分析。胞外遗传要素在海洋微生物学和生态学中发挥着重要作用。如果成功，这项技术将成为全球研究界通过毕格罗实验室单细胞基因组学中心(SCGC)提供的服务的一部分，确保这项技术投资的可持续持续。该项目还将通过支持招募和培训一名研究助理、一名本科生以及为学生和科学家开设的微生物单细胞基因组学生物信息学和水流细胞计量学课程来促进劳动力发展。胞外遗传要素在海洋微生物学和生态学中发挥着重要作用。每种类型的胞外DNA颗粒对海洋生态系统的影响是不相等的，仍然受到很少的限制。目前，还没有确定的方法将细胞外DNA的定量观察与它们的基因含量联系起来。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project would develop and validate a method for genomic analyses of individual extracellular elements in the ocean utilizing a technique call environment micro-compartment genomics (EMCG). Extracellular genetic elements play major roles in marine microbiology and ecology. If successful, this technique will become a part of the services available to the global research community through the Bigelow Laboratory Single Cell Genomics Center (SCGC), ensuring the sustainable continuation of this technology investment. This project will also contribute to workforce development, by supporting the recruitment and training of a research associate, an undergraduate student and courses for students and scientists on Microbial Single Cell Genomics Bioinformatics and Aquatic Flow Cytometry.The PIs propose to develop and validate a robust, quantitative method for genomic analyses of individual extracellular elements in the ocean utilizing a microcapsule technique which we call environment micro-compartment genomics (EMCG). Extracellular genetic elements play major roles in marine microbiology and ecology. The influence of each type of extracellular DNA particle on marine ecosystems is not equal and remains poorly constrained. Currently, there is no established method to link quantitative observations of the extracellular DNA with their genetic content.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.