Sequencing

After creation of a DNA library of the organism to be sequenced by the “Cloning and sub-cloning” team, the Sequencing teams take over for the next two steps.

The second step in the productions of sequences consists in extracting and purifying the DNA fragments of the library, which have been previously multiplied in bacteria.

In the third step, each of the fragments undergoes a sequencing reaction. The products of this reaction are then separated and read on capillary sequencers. The result is a chromatogram which represents a sequence of bases which compose the fragment of DNA which has been sequenced. The activities of the “Sequencing” group are performed by three teams:

  a/ The “Production” team
  b/ The Quality Assurance team
  c/ The “Sequencing Development” team

b/ Quality assurance

Genoscope is the first sequencing center to have instituted a policy of Quality Assurance. The adoption of this strategy aims to guarantee the quality of the production by verification of the expertise of the ensemble of human and technical resources utilized. The function of the Quality Assurance director encompasses all the services implicated in the activities of cloning and the production of sequences. The job consists of:

• Writing up the technical portion of the collaborative agreements.
• Managing procedures and protocols.
• Training of personnel on-the-job and for quality assurance.
• Verification that the premises are adapted to production activities, that the apparatus are maintained and calibrated, and that the materials used are of high quality and from reliable suppliers.
• Prepare reports on the quality of the cloning and sequencing activity.

Responsable AQ : Alice Roy [Email]

c/ “Sequencing Development” team

The principal objective of the “Sequencing development” team is to follow the production activities when the technology changes, as for instance during the introduction of capillary and pyrosequencing.

More frequently, the group helps production by suggesting adjustments or new protocols. This group is also responsible for sequencing in certain collaborative projects, and for custom sequencing for research groups and development within Genoscope.

Team leader: Corrine Cruaud [Email]

Caroline Belser