The Genome Sequencer FLX System at CRAG will be used for the melon sequencing project and in support of other on-going research projects. The major applications used will be whole genome and BAC sequencing, small RNA analysis and transcriptome sequencing. One important application area is the de novo sequencing of eukaryotic plant genomes. The institute is planning to start sequencing of the melon genome which is similar in size to the rice genome at 450 Mb by the end of 2008. With a pilot phase already underway, the aims of the project are to understand the basic processes of development and pathogen resistance in melon and to provide tools for breeders to enhance the pathogen resistance of cultivated varieties and to facilitate the breeding of fruit characters such as aroma, shape and ripening.
"The melon sequencing project is of strategic importance in Spain because melon is the second most produced vegetable crop, after tomato," said Jordi Garcia-Mas, Head of Marker Assisted Breeding at the Institute of Agro-Food Research and Technology ."We choose the Genome Sequencer FLX System from a number of competiting solutions because of its long read lengths, throughput, and application flexibility. The large number of high-value publications using the sequencing technology of 454 was a major reason for the decision."
"The instrument will also be important for other projects in our centre such as gene regulation in model and crop plants both at the level of transcription and by small RNAs or for SNP discovery in crop plants and farm animals" said Pere Puigdomènech, Director of CRAG.
454 Life Sciences develops and commercializes the Genome Sequencer System for ultra-high-throughput DNA sequencing. Specific applications include de novo sequencing and re-sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, RNA analysis, and targeted sequencing of DNA regions of interest. The hallmarks of 454 Sequencing are its simple, unbiased sample preparation and long, highly accurate sequence reads, including paired reads. Sequencing technology of 454 has enabled many peer-reviewed studies in diverse research fields such as cancer and infectious disease research, drug discovery, marine biology, anthropology, paleontology, and many more.
For additional information, please visit http://www.454.com. For more information on the technology, visit www.roche-applied-science.com/....