Exploring Genetic Diversity

Fluidigm Europe has announced an opportunity for scientists to learn more about how the Fluidigm Access Array™ System is being used by the US National Cancer Institute to explore genetic diversity and how to effectively implement techniques for next generation sequencing.

A recorded version of the Science magazine webinar: ’Exploring Genetic Dversity: Mapping the Genetic Landscape through Next-Generation Sequencing’ prominently features results from the Fluidigm Access Array System within the presentation by Michael W Smith PhD, Director of the Genetics and Genomics Group within the Advanced Technology Program of

SAIC Frederick.

Characterising the genetic diversity in populations can be challenging, because of the sheer number of samples needed to understand the underlying genetic variation. Using multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with barcoding, offers the possibility of sequencing hundreds of unique samples per run using next- generation sequencing technology. This process, known as amplicon resequencing, allows for each PCR amplicon to be sequenced individually, enabling both the identification of rare variants and the assignment of haplotypes.

The webinar provides an overview of amplicon resequencing-based approaches, from the perspective of investigating the complexity and diversity seen in immune system genes. Three experts in the field discuss topics such as site-specific recombination reactions and cellular dysfunction, as well as how to use cutting-edge technology to discover pathways and specific patterns that impact such factors as the ability of the body to mount an immune response and somatic recombination in antibody production.