The Nucleic Acids Research Committee (NARC) of the ABRF (Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities) has openings for three new members.
The NARC was the first ABRF committee to focus its efforts on
technologies centered around nucleic acids. The committee has
performed several studies investigating the capabilities of participant
laboratories for synthesis and sequencing of DNA (1,2,3). We are
presently completing a study examining primer design and their
performance in DNA sequencing. ABRF member labs were requested to
designate which physico-chemical parameters are important and their
ideal values. Further, these labs were asked to design 1-3 primers in
the forward direction from a 300 bp sequence of a test template,
choosing an ideal primer regardless of the placement of the primer.
The committee also designed control primers 18 bases in length at
intervals of 3 bases across the 300 bp sequence. Both sets of primers
were synthesized and purified on the 3948 Synthesis and Purification
System (PE/ABD) and then utilized in sequencing reactions to delineate
which parameter values actually prevent successful sequence data
(obtained from a PE/ABD 377 DNA Sequencer) and usuing dRhodamine
terminator chemistry). The study produced surprising results that were
well-received at the Hilton Head Genome meeting. The committee is
currently completing the study to be presented at the ABRF '98 meeting
in March and possible publication.
The next project will be determined by committee members. Suggested
projects include utilizing another template in a similar primer design study or examining primer design strategies in relation to PCR product quality and sequence success.
The NAC would like to recruit new members with interests and experience in related areas. Individuals with experience in computer based sequence analysis are particularly encouraged to apply. Members are also encouraged to nominate candidates.
Please send a CV or biographical sketch to the following address via:
Email: Karl_hager@quickmail.yale.edu
or Mail:
Karl Hager
Yale School of Medicine
Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory
295 Congress Ave. BCMM 305
P.O. Box 9812
New Haven, CT 06536
or Fax: (203) 732-2638
References:
1. Pon, R.T., G.A. Buck, R.L. Niece, M. Robertson, A.J. Smith and E.
Spicer. 1994. A survey of nucleic acid services in core laboratories.
BioTechniques 17: 526-534.
2. Naeve, C.W., G.A. Buck, R.L. Niece, R.T. Pon, M. Robertson and A.J.
Smith. 1995. Accuracy of automated DNA sequencing: a multi-laboratory
comparison of sequencing results. BioTechniques 19: 448-453.
3. Pon, R.T., G.A. Buck, K.M. Hager, C.W. Naeve, R. L. Niece, M.
Robertson and A.J. Smith. 1996. Multi-facility survey of
oligonucleotide synthesis and an examination of the performance of
unpurified primers in automated DNA sequencing. BioTechniques 21:
680-685.