Illumina, Inc. Sponsors Genomic Sequencing at SEBS
Illumina Inc. is sponsoring a free round of genome sequencing on the Genome Analyzer IIx recently acquired by the Bhattacharya lab. Scientists across Rutgers submitted proposals that detailed how genome sequencing would enhance their research programs. Ten projects were chosen for which genome data are currently being generated using the Illumina-sponsored run. The sponsored genome sequencing projects represent a diverse array of topics and target taxa, including cranberries, mosquitos, invasive marine algae, plant chloroplasts, and lichen. The run has brought diverse departments, including the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, Center for Vector Biology, Plant Biology and Pathology, and the Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Illumina is also providing a complementary training course instructing all users in data interpretation and analysis. Participants in the sponsored genome run will present their findings at a symposium to be held later this semester, also sponsored by Illumina.
Next-generation genome sequencing was initiated in the Bhattacharya lab at SEBS in Spring 2010. The Genome Analyzer IIx was initially put to work on algal and protist species such as Cyanophora paradoxa and Paulinella chromatophora for funded efforts aimed at investigating the origins of photosynthesis and chloroplast evolution. More recently the lab has embarked in the new field of single cell genomics, whereby near-complete genome data are being gathered from single cells isolated in nature. The GA IIx will also be used to understand algal gene expression and epigenetics for a recently funded DOE project on algal biofuels with co-investigators Paul Falkowski at IMCS and Charles Dismukes at the Waksman Institute. The high throughput capacity of the machine will support a number of other projects that have been submitted for funding with colleagues in Plant Biology, IMCS, and other institutions in the US and abroad.