The ability of molecular biologists to sequence the human genetic code promises to usher in a new era of genetic medicine, but that doesn’t mean science can accurately read personal genetic codes. The sequencing of the DNA comprising the code is still far too slow, costly and inaccurate to allow the kind of sequencing of specific tissues that is necessary to understand many particular genetic problems of individual patients.

A new method of DNA sequencing is being explored by Stuart Lindsay, professor of physics and the director of the Center for Single Molecule Biophysics in the Biodesign Institute. With the goal of overcoming the technical challenges involved, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health has awarded a $550,000, three-year grant to Lindsay to further develop a nanotechnology project for rapid genetic profiling.

Lindsay’s new sequencing technology involves using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which customarily is used to analyze the surface structure of materials at molecular resolution with the ultra-small tip of a sensitive probe, in combination with naturally occurring ring-shaped sugar molecules called cyclodextrins. Lindsay believes that the ring molecules, when paired with the AFM probe tip, can effectively be used as sensors to “read” the sequence of amino acid code (DNA “bases”) in the human genome that comprises many millions of bases.

If Lindsay’s proposed sequencing method can be made to work, it would be remarkably faster and more accurate than current sequencing technology.

To provide feedback on this article, click here.

Campus News
Tempe campus offers high-tech tours
Harrison appointed downtown Phoenix provost
Poste named Scientist of the Year
Fulton Challenge
Nursing college plans doctoral program
Growing enrollment
Glick named research center fellow
Wrigley's gift funds sustainability institute