Development of a Novel High-Speed Automated Genotyper

We will commercialize a high-sensitivity, low-cost fluorescence- based DNA fragment analyzer with atimes higher throughput than current instruments. Such an instrument is essential to accelerating ouand other heritable diseases by making it cost-effective to perform large-scale genetic linkage analof genetic markers. In Phase l we will construct the prototype fragment analyzer and demonstrate itsautomatically size fluorescently-labeled polymerase chain reaction products at detection limits apprper band. This will involve 1) construction of the prototype scanning fluorescence detector, 2) thefluorescently labeled genetic markers and size standards with Dr. James Weber's laboratory at MarshfFoundation, 3) the determination of detection limits for the fluorophores that will be used in labeland size standards, 4) the evaluation of electrophoresis buffers and their effect on gel reusabilityand refinement of genotyping software. In Phase II we will improve the throughput and refine the opesoftware. This will be accomplished in collaboration with Dr. Weber as he pursues the creation of aMarshfield.