Research advances emerging DNA sequencing technology


PICTURE: Dr. Moon Kim, the distinguished professor of Louis Beecherl Jr. at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, and other researchers developed a nanopore sequencing platform that is useful for the ... view More

Photo credit: The University of Texas at Dallas

Nanopore technology holds great promise in enabling the development of small, portable, and inexpensive devices that can be used to sequence DNA in real time. One of the challenges, however, was making the technology more accurate.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have come closer to this goal by developing a nanopore sequencing platform that can, for the first time, detect the presence of nucleobases, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The study was published online on February 11th and is on the back of the April print edition of Electrophoresis magazine.

"By demonstrating the presence of nucleobases, our platform can help improve the sensitivity of nanopore sequencing," said Dr. Moon Kim, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and Distinguished Professor of Louis Beecherl Jr. at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Currently, most DNA sequencing is done by a process of preparing samples in the laboratory with fluorescent dye and using lasers to determine the sequence of the four nucleobases, the basic units of the genetic code: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine ( G) and thymine (T). Each nucleobase emits a different wavelength when illuminated, so scientists can determine the sequence.

In nanopore sequencing, a DNA sample is unwound and the hair-like strand is passed through a tiny hole or nanopore, typically in a fabricated membrane. As it moves through the nanopore, the DNA strand disrupts the electrical current flowing through the membrane. The current reacts differently based on the properties of a DNA molecule such as size and shape.

"The electrical signal changes as the DNA moves through the nanopore," said Kim. "We can read the properties of the DNA by monitoring the signal."

One of the challenges in advancing nanopore sequencing has been the difficulty in controlling the speed of the DNA strand as it moves through the nanopores. Research by the UT Dallas team focused on solving this problem by creating an atomically thin solid-state or non-biological membrane coated with titanium dioxide, water, and an ionic liquid to slow the speed of molecules through the membrane . The water was added to the liquid solution to amplify the electrical signals and make them easier to read.

"By demonstrating the presence of nucleobases, our platform can help improve the sensitivity of nanopore sequencing."

The next step for researchers will be to advance the platform to identify each nucleobase faster. Kim said the platform also opens up opportunities for sequencing other biomolecules.

"The ultimate goal is a handheld DNA sequencer that is fast, accurate, and usable anywhere," said Kim. "This would reduce the cost of DNA sequencing and make it more accessible."

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