A Workflow-Based LIMS for High-Throughput Sequencing, Genotyping, and Genetic Diagnostic Environments

13 A Workflow-Based LIMS for High-Throughput Sequencing, Genotyping, and Genetic Diagnostic Environments--Cimarron Software, Inc., 2749 East Parleys Way, Suite 310, Salt Lake City, UT 84109-1660; (801) 468-0717 Mr. Peter Cartwright, Principal Investigator Mr. Andrew F. Marks, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82349 Amount: $74,651 The past decade has seen dramatic progress in the development of DNA sequencing, genotyping, and genetic diagnostic technologies. These technologies have enabled the creation of high-throughput facilities; not only in academic and government laboratories but also in commercial production environments. More robust workflow-based laboratory automation and information management systems are needed to direct, track, and monitor the work. This project will develop a novel, effective, and flexible, workflow-based laboratory information management system which is critical to the success of these high-throughput, rapidly-changing environments. The system will be three-tiered, workflow-based, and will allow a designer with minimum computing abilities to quickly formulate or reconfigure a workflow design using an interactive, graphic modeling tool. The Phase I goals include the development of a robust workflow data model, a workflow specification language, and a prototype workflow execution engine. Phase II will focus on graphical design tools and automatic system creation and reconfiguration tools. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This project would result in a commercial tool for building workflow-based laboratory information management systems. A large market exists for such a tool within the domain of high-throughput facilities for sequencing, genotyping, and genetic diagnostics. _