Acquisition of a Pacific Biosciences DNA Sequencer for UW–Madison Campus

We plan to acquire a next-generation “Sequel” DNA sequencer manufactured by Pacific Biosciences and designed by the company’s co-founder, Madison native and UW–Madison physics alum Steve Turner.

Turner’s innovation reads DNA sequence information by eavesdropping on the catalytic action of a single DNA molecule sitting on the bottom of a nanoscale well in a silicon wafer. The sequencer collects more and longer “reads” — unbroken strings of the nucleotides that make up DNA — at a much faster pace than sequencers already available to UW–Madison researchers, and can detect nucleotide modifications. These two functions are critical to researchers pushing the bounds of epigenetics, human genomics, biomarker discovery, metagenomics and evolutionary and developmental biology. Campus scientists are also exploring the machine’s ability to study other single-protein molecules, such as ion channels (proteins that regulate many functions in cells by passing along signals).

In addition to its unique features, the Sequel’s higher throughput and operation as a part of the UW Biotechnology Center’s next generation sequencing core facility means the lowest possible cost for campus customers, as well as state-of-the-art quality and speed of service.