EMU: Acquisition of the Compact CE Spectrum System equipment from Promega company for genotyping microsatellite markers and Sanger sequencing.

• Grant number: 23/17399-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf
• Grantee: Alexandre Wagner Silva Hilsdorf
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Acadêmica. Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (UMC). Campus da Sede Mogi das Cruzes. Mogi das Cruzes , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Bruno Cavalheiro Araújo ; Daniel Eduardo Lavanholi de Lemos ; Mauricio Ferreira Marcondes Machado ; Rafael Vilhena Reis Neto ; Regina Lucia Batista da Costa de Oliveira ; Vander Bruno dos Santos

Abstract

The EMU-PMP to be requested is the Compact CE Spectrum System produced by the company Promega. The Compact CE Spectrum System is an automated instrument with 4 capillaries designed for a wide range of applications in sequencing and fragment analysis. It is compatible with chain termination sequencing chemistries based on fluorescently labeled dideoxynucleotides, along with 4, 5, 6, and 8 fluorophore STR kits available from Promega and other commercial suppliers. Up to 32 samples can be run at once, utilizing Sanger Sequencing and Fragment Analysis modules, performing applications such as: (1) Sanger Sequencing; (2) De novo Sequencing; (3) Gene variant detection; (4) Mutation screening; (5) DNA fragment analysis; (6) Genotyping and microsatellite analysis (population studies, forensics, and cell line authentication); (7) PCR product analysis; (8) SNP genotyping. Currently, large-scale genotyping services such as SNP generation or genome sequencing are carried out by next-generation sequencers employed to generate large data volumes and can be maintained by larger service provision structures. Hence, smaller and more economically maintainable equipment can routinely be employed for genetic data generation and service provision with specific objectives. Thus, smaller-sized and more cost-effective equipment can be routinely utilized for data generation and service provision. This seems to be the case with the EMU-PMP Compact CE Spectrum System. Its size and ease of use allow for routine use at an affordable cost per sample. The lack of alternatives in the market for compact and low-cost equipment for routine genetic analyses is a reality today. With the advent of NGS, few affordable options are available for Sanger sequencing data generation, STR and SNP genotyping, among others. The option provided by the Compact CE Spectrum System will enable the continuity of scientific investigations conducted by the research centers established at the University of Mogi das Cruzes, as well as their collaborators from other research institutions in the state of São Paulo. The specificities of each research group and their collaborations will be described below to evaluate potential impacts on research and innovation in the state of São Paulo, in terms of advancing knowledge and the breadth of its utilization. (AU)