UT RESEARCHERS PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPING NEW DNA TECHNOLOGIES

Determining the DNA sequence of a living organism has become an important method of scientific research. A cheap and powerful DNA sequencing technology would help conduct cutting-edge studies in a variety of fields—genetics, medical diagnostics, molecular biology, microbiology, veterinary science, animal and plant systematics as well as ecology.
Current DNA sequencing methods have been optimised to the extent where no significant further cost reduction is possible without a radical change of approach. This is why the US and the European Union have launched an intensive search for radically new ways to create novel DNA sequencing methods.

The two-year CRAFT-type pilot project is aimed at creating and testing a novel DNA sequencing technology based on reversible terminator nucleotides. The project also aims to use an in vitro evolution method to create an enzyme permitting the nucleotides to be used. The technology will be tested on microchips created in collaboration between the Tartu biotechnology firm Asper Biotech and the Swedish nanotechnology company Silex AB.

On UT side, project participants include the working group led by Prof Maido Remmi at the Chair of Bioinformatics of the Faculty of Biology and Geography. The group will be working on elaborating a calculation method and software prototype that would enable a practical application of the new technologies. If the project is successful, a commercial product will be developed on its basis, possibly with the help of further partners.

In addition to UT bioinformatics group and Tartu's Asper Biotech, the project involves the Swedish companies QUIAtech AB and Silex Microsystems AB, the Lithuanian company Fermentas and Prof Joachim Engels from Frankfurt's Johann Wolfgang Goethe University. Prof Andrew Griffiths from ISIS, Strasbourg participates in the project as a scientific advisor.
The project was evaluated as top of the list and ranked among the first of its kind by the European Commission.


Illari Lään
Head, UT Public Relations and Information Office

Further information: Prof Maido Remm, UT Chair of Bioinformatics, tel. +372-737-5001