During the past ten years DNA sequencing has become one of the major cornerstones of biological and biomedical research. Although more than 40 research groups on the Princeton campus must sequence DNA as part of their ongoing research programs, the procedures currently used by these groups are inefficient, time consuming, and increasingly antiquated. For this reason, the Department of Molecular Biology is requesting funds for the purchase of automated DNA sequencing instrumentation. This instrumentation includes the following items: ABI Prism Automated DNA Sequencer, Model 377-01, including installation and on-site training, data collection software, Macintosh power Mac, two (2) Gel Cassettes, top and bottom gel pouring mixtures (1 set), and user manual Sequencing software module, including sequencing analysis software, Manual and Chemistry Guide, two (2) 36 Well Sharkstooth combs, and the sequencing installation kit Fast sequencing or high resolution GeneScan glass plates/ spacers kit, including 36cm W-T-R Glass plates (2 front/2 back), and 36cm Spacers HP 1200c Printer GeneAmp PCR System 9600, including user manual, Quick Reference Manual, Instructional Video, Consumables Start-up kit Auto Assembler, 5-pak, user installed, includes Factura and Auto Assembler Application software, tutorial, User and Reference Manuals, On-line animation software, reference mouse pad Sequence Navigator 5-pak DNA and Protein Sequence Comparison Software, including Factura and Sequence Navigator application software, tutorial, User and Reference Manuals This instrumentation will be housed in an existing Departmental Service Facility, and it will be operated by specially trained personnel in this facility. The daily operation of the instrumentation will be under the direct supervision of the Syn/Seq Facility Director, Mr. S. Kyin. The automated DNA sequencing instrumentation in the Syn/Seq Facility will be used to achieve four major goals. The first is to provide efficien t and rapid DNA sequencing. The second is to provide a DNA sequencing service that will benefit the entire Princeton biological and biomedical research community. This will include not only all members of the Molecular Biology Department, but also biological and biomedical research scientists in several other Departments on campus. These departments include Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Physics and Material Sciences. The third is to substantially reduce the time and effort that scientists and technicians must now devote to DNA sequencing. The aim here is to enable members of our research community to direct their efforts along other potentially more productive, technically difficult and/or innovative lines of investigation. Fourth, the DNA Sequencing Facility will also be incorporated in our undergraduate training programs.
