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University of Wisconsin–Madison

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.

Principal Investigator

  • Michael Sussman
    Professor
    Biochemistry
    Director of UW Biotechnology Center

Co-Principal Investigators

  • Mei Baker
    Co-director Newborn Screening Facility
    Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
  • Sean Carroll
    Professor
    Genetics
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute
  • Cameron Currie
    Professor
    Bacteriology
  • John M. Denu
    Professor
    Biomolecular Chemistry
    Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
  • Colin Dewey
    Associate professor
    Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
  • Thomas Friedrich
    Associate professor
    Pathobiological Sciences
  • Chris Hittinger
    Assistant professor
    Genetics
  • Linda Graham
    Professor
    Botany
  • Yoshihiro Kawaoka
    Professor
    Pathobiological Sciences
  • Jason Kwan
    Assistant professor
    Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Robert Landick
    Professor
    Biochemistry
  • David O’Connor
    Professor
    Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
  • Shelby O’Connor
    Assistant professor
    Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
  • Caitlin Pepperell
    Assistant professor
    Medicine
  • Michael Sheets
    Professor
    Biomolecular Chemistry
  • Rupa Sridharan
    Assistant professor
    Cell and Regenerative Biology
    Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
  • Garret Suen
    Assistant professor
    Bacteriology
  • Xinyu Zhao
    Professor
    Neuroscience
    Waisman Center
  • Xuehua Zhong
    Assistant professor
    Genetics
    Wisconsin Institute for Discovery