Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Threads
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Subscribe
    • Featured News
    • Funding
    • Directory
    • Jobs
    • Events
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Biodetection

    FDA Contract to Expand Genome Sequence Database for Pathogen Identification

    By Global Biodefense StaffApril 4, 2014
    Share
    Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria

    Researchers at the Institute for Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have been awarded a research program contract from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sequence, assemble, and annotate a population of bacterial pathogens using two high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies in support of the expansion of a vetted public reference database.

    The continued development of HTS technologies for accurate identification of microorganisms for diagnostic use will have significant impact on human healthcare, biothreat response, food safety, and other areas. Developing a comprehensive, curated database of microbial genome sequences and associated metadata will serve as a valuable reference to evaluate and assess HTS-based diagnostic devices. Leading the sequencing and analysis phases of the project, the Genomics Resource Center (GRC) at the Institute is a cutting-edge genomic sequencing and analysis center with a long history of high-quality microbial genomics research that has sequenced and analyzed more than 5,000 microbial genome sequences in just the past five years.

    The genome sequencing will use two HTS platforms, Illumina and Pacific Biosciences, and multiple genome assembler software packages and assembly QA/QC pipelines to assemble and validate the resulting draft genome sequences. By using two complementary sequencing platforms, GRC researchers will be able to cross-validate consensus sequences to generate the highest possible genome sequence accuracy.

    The comprehensive, curated database to which these annotated genome sequences will be added will enable high confidence confirmation of in vitro microbial pathogen identification. This database will be accessible through the collection of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)’s public domain databases. The combination of genomic data and metadata will help to advance the goal of developing HTS-based in vitro diagnostics and the assessment of their potential.

    The GRC was formed to serve the global genomics and bioinformatics communities, and its reputation is built on both its deep history in sequencing, genomics and analysis, and its end-to-end service level from initial project consultation through publication. The GRC is led by Luke Tallon, scientific director and founding leader of the GRC, and Lisa Sadzewicz, administrator director of the facility. “We are excited to contribute our genome sequencing and analysis expertise to this important project with the FDA,” says Tallon.

    “This database will be an important reference for the scientific and medical diagnostic communities,” says Claire Fraser, PhD, Director of the Institute for Genome Sciences. “We have worked with federal agencies and global scientific partners to sequence and analyze an extensive population of bacterial pathogens since our Institute launched in 2007 and are pleased to develop this reference database with the FDA.”

    “The Institute for Genome Sciences is truly unique to an academic medical university because it houses cutting-edge sequencing technologies overseen by internationally renowned experts in the field who are deeply engaged in the research enterprise,” says E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland, and John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers distinguished professor and dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “This award recognizes the strength of the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s genomics program, which will make significant contributions to better identifying and, ultimately, treating infectious diseases.”

    Bioinformatics
    Share. Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleNRL Team Works with DTRA to Better Predict Deadly Diseases
    Next Article Pharmocogenomics Has Not Fulfilled Its Promise to Developing Countries

    Related Stories

    New Method Improves Quantification of Ricin in Complex Matrices

    September 20, 2023

    Biomarkers for Detection of Exposure to Nitrogen Mustards

    September 20, 2023

    Mass Spec for Rapid Detection of Biological Warfare Agents

    September 15, 2023

    Field Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin with Acoustic Wave Sensors

    September 15, 2023
    News Scan

    Biodefense Headlines – 19 September 2023

    News Scan September 19, 2023

    News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense This week’s selections include a global survey of gain-of-function research; funding of an mRNA mpox vaccine; Nipah virus outbreak in India; field detection of threat agents with acoustic…

    Upcoming Events

    Oct 3
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    October 3 - October 5

    OneLab Summit 2023

    Oct 3
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT

    Public-Private Partnerships to Distribute, Dispense, and Administer Medical Countermeasures

    Oct 4
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    10:00 am - 2:00 pm EDT

    Tunneling Nanotubes and Intracellular Protrusions Workshop

    Oct 12
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT

    Public-Private Partnerships for Acceptance and Uptake of Medical Countermeasures

    View Calendar

    Subscribe to Global Biodefense

    Get the latest news on pathogens and preparedness

    © 2023 Stemar Media Group LLC
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are okay with it.OkPrivacy policy