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Nanogenomics: Research Areas

Selective DNA Sequencing

We are developing a single platform for selection and sequencing of DNA fragments of choice direct from genomic DNA. This involves capturing molecules from a complex whole genomic DNA sample onto a microarray and using the array capture probes as primers to initiate DNA synthesis.

Single Molecule Technology

We are approaching the analysis of single DNA molecules from genomic DNA in three ways. The first approach is to make the analysis massively parallel.The second is to make the analysis ultra-fast.The third is to make the analysis long-range or contextual. The work of the group by necessity is multi-disciplinary. In addition to single molecule techniques, this involves molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, microarray/DNA chip technology, instrumentation, bioinformatics and nanotechnology. To move the work forward we have established a number of collaborations with colleagues within and outside the centre. The group is currently supported by grants from the Wellcome Trust.

We have proposed a new platform technology comprising

• Single molecule detection and visualization
• Spatially addressable arrays

Based on this platform we are developing novel methods for

• Long-range haplotyping
• Stepwise DNA sequencing by synthesis
• Sequencing DNA in real time using novel means for observing
  enzymes during template-directed DNA synthesis.

We are also interested detecting local features of linear single DNA polymers as they are
transported through solid-state / biological nano-environments.

Based on such platforms we are interested in developing ultra-fast methods for

• Whole-genome methylation analysis
• DNA sequence analysis