Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Virtually every cell in all organisms contain one or two copies of their genetic instructions known as the genome. The genome is encoded in DNA in a language known as the genetic code. Accidental changes to certain places in the genome (alterations of its sequence; known as mutations) can contribute to evolution or can have disastrous effects, leading to diseases or death of the organism. The requested instrument allows us to determine whether specific genetic changes have occurred in a cellular population or tissue and to accurately count the number of DNA molecules containing a specific sequence. This process, known as ""digital PCR"", can also be used to accurately identify the presence of DNA molecules that have been mutated or are variable (""polymorphic"") in a population. The system we have requested also facilitates efficient reading of small regions of a genome using a technique known as DNA sequencing. This system will be used to study the genetic dynamics in environmental pathogens such as bacteria and disease-carrying insects as well as model organisms. It will also be used to study genetic conditions in mammals including cancers that commonly affect companion dogs.