State-of-the-art DNA sequencer to rev up genetic research in WA

The State Government has provided $350,000 to the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) towards the purchase of a state-of-the-art DNA sequencer, which will provide high throughput genomics, genotyping and sequencing technology for agricultural research in Western Australia.

The multi-column capillary DNA sequencer was purchased with additional funding from the Department of Agriculture and Murdoch University, as well as support from SABC partners and research groups – the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and the Centre for High Throughput Agricultural Genetic Analysis.

Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said the sequencer was designed to maximise sample throughput and data quality and to reduce operator time. This will improve the affordability of a wide range of analytical processes for agricultural research. .

"The sequencer has numerous applications in developing knowledge-based approaches to crop and livestock improvement, such as gene discovery, gene sequencing, and genetic marker-assisted selection of plant and animal breeding stock, " Mr Chance said.

"The new technology will allow some of the labour intensive activities in agricultural research and development to be automated, doing away with manual preparation, loading, and visual analysis that used to be needed.

SABC Director Professor Mike Jones said the purchase was an exciting advance and it would not have been possible without the State Government’s contribution.

He said the sequencer would help maintain the State's competitive position in agricultural genomics, and its purchase clearly demonstrated the benefits of collaboration in agricultural research between the State and Universities. As with other advanced molecular facilities at the SABC, the new sequencer will be available for use by all researchers in WA, from the Department of Agriculture, Universities, CSIRO and industry.