Title: "Part 1: Bioinformatics for Next Generation Genetics"
Speaker: Brian Dilkes; Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University
Place: PHYS 223; February 7, 2012, Tuesday, 4:30pm

Abstract

Bioinformatics means different things to different people. In the Dilkes Lab we primarily use the term to describe the computer-aided analysis and computational processing of DNA sequence data. Over the last decades, the pace of sequence data production has increased exponentially, currently doubling every five months. At multiple turns, technological advances in data acquisition from nucleic acids in biological samples has required scientists to collaborate across disciplines to generate new analytical methods to keep pace with a "firehose" of data produced by these instruments. We have determined some simple rules for success in genetics experiments that utilize next generation sequencing. These rules consider data in statistical, informatic, and biological terms.

The Dilkes lab is taking a multidisciplinary approach to study the genetic mechanisms responsible for speciation and adaption in plants. We have projects that are internal to the lab and projects that are collaborative with other labs that seek to integrate next generation sequencing data and traditional transmission (often called "Mendelian" or "Forward") genetics. By altering the design of genetics experiments, crossing schemes, and population generation we can identify the causative polymorphisms responsible for mutant phenotypes in any species with a sequenced genome. We are also currently playing with mutation discovery to utilize next generation sequencing data to map genes in inbred lines, using what we call EMS variation induced lines (or EVIL twins).

This talk is Part 1 of a two part series. Elizabeth Buescher will deliver Part 2 ("Cloning Genes Using Next Generation Sequencing") on February 14, 2012.

Associated Reading:
Author suggested YouTube video (read abstract, then video). http: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXc5ltzKq3Y



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