Next Generation Sequencing

Recent advances in nanotechnology have heralded new opportunities for DNA sequencing and genomic research. Applied Biosystems Inc (AB) have developed a single molecule sequencing approach based on Church's "polony" sequencing concept. Known as Supported Oligo Ligation Detection Sequencing (SOLiD), this technology provides the means to sequence short DNA fragments at rates of more than 100,000,000 sequences per run. The goal is to generate >1,000,000,000bp of sequence from a single assays.

The Expression Genomics lab is an active collaborator with AB on the application of SOLiD sequencing to transcriptome studies. It is anticipated that we will establish the technology in 2007 after placement of a prototype SOLiD sequencer. Public release of this technology is not expected till 2009.