A version of this story was originally published in the Spring 2014 UW SRP eBulletin.
University of Washington Superfund Research Program (UW-SRP) Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Laboratory (Core lab) recently acquired 'next generation gene sequencing instrumentation' that enables them to offer timely and effective sequencing applications for research scientists to provide important information about cell function. The Core lab works with UW-SRP scientists to measure both physiological and genetic changes associated with neurotoxic exposures in humans and wildlife.
Investigators Evan Gallagher and Clement Furlong are already benefiting from this 'next generation sequencing' capability. For Dr. Gallagher, the sequencing technology assesses the effects of heavy metal exposure on methylation profiles of fish olfactory tissue (DNA methylation is a biochemical process that impacts gene expression and is central to normal cell differentiation and organism development). Dr. Furlong's research examines the role that PON enzymes play in modulating the toxicity and neurotoxicity of organophosphates (OP). This is important because some people are more susceptible than others to the toxic effects of OP exposure. Dr. Furlong is now better able to determine an organism's 'methylation status' (via custom methylation assay methods) providing predictive information about gene regulation as a result of organophosphate pesticides exposure.
The Core lab directors, Fred Farin and Theo Bammler, play an integral role for UW-SRP research by consulting with program investigators on study protocols, design, and the functional genomic approaches in each individual project.
