Developing molecular biology kits for more sensitive diagnostics and gene expression analysis

分子生物学试剂盒广泛用于研究和诊断，是一个价值数十亿美元的产业。其中许多试剂盒使用的酶可以修改DNA和RNA。提高这些酶的准确性和灵敏度可以提供一个具有独特卖点的试剂盒。在BBSRC资助的研究中，我们开发了一种使用下一代测序(NGS)来研究DNA或RNA修饰酶的新方法。这种快速、低成本的方法被用来确定提高用于聚合酶链式反应的DNA聚合酶和用于捕获小RNA(SRNAs)试剂盒中的RNA连接酶活性的因素。我们计划开发一种高清晰度(HD)方法，更准确地捕获与癌症和疾病有关的RNA分子。还要求提供资金，以开发PCRmax技术，以产生灵敏度更高的诊断试剂盒。PCRmax技术是一个难得的机会，可以开发出一种方法，使PCR效率逐步改变。

Molecular biology kits are widely used for research and diagnostics and are a multibillion dollar industry. Many of these kits use enzymes that modify DNA and RNA. Improving the accuracy and sensitivity of these enzymes can provide a kit with the unique selling point. In BBSRC-funded research, we have developed a novel approach to study DNA or RNA modifying enzymes using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This rapid, low-cost method was used to identify factors that improve the activity of DNA polymerases used in PCR, and RNA ligases used in kits that capture small RNAs (sRNAs). We plan to develop a High-Definition (HD) method that more accurately captures RNA molecules, which have been linked with cancers and disease. Funding is also requested to develop a PCRmax technology to generate diagnostic kits with increased sensitivity. PCRmax technology is a rare opportunity to develop a method leading to a step change in PCR efficiency.