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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S60266/01
Title: Context information augmented DNA sequencing
Principal Investigator: Gillies, Professor D
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Dr DJ Thornley
Project Partners:
Wellcome Trust
Department: Computing
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2003 Ends: 31 March 2007 Value (£): 217,353
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Bioinformatics Information & Knowledge Mgmt
Software Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare Information Technologies
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
We have proposed a new method of interpreting DNA sequencing traces using computational analysis of the biochemical and physical systems used to generate them. This analysis shows that peak height variation contains important information that can be used to provide more accurate base calls than are currently made. We have modelled the factors that determine peak height numerically. In collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, we will calibrate the model using traces from DNA sequences we design and build for optimal efficiency. The calibrated models can be used to estimate the trace data that would arise from any DNA sample composition. A full sequence can be determined starting from a set of hypothesised fragments which are grown appropriately. This research will synthesize a hypothesis navigation scheme which uses comparisons between predicted and measured trace data, calculating the likelihood of each hypothesised sequence, and guiding the most effective hypothesis growth. This scheme will thus efficiently traverse the space of possible sample sequence compositions, enabling more effective interpretation. The improved accuracy will benefit researchers in applied computer science fields such as bioinformatics and molecular modelling, and in the life sciences - for example in determining the aetiology of disease. exposing cell mechanisms. and providing better diagnostic tests.
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Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk