Next Generation Sequencing & Bioinformatics
What We Do
The next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics program works closely with the infectious disease program at UPHL to provide all pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing for CDC’s PulseNet Program, which is a national laboratory network that connects foodborne illness cases to detect outbreaks.
This collaboration with CDC has provided the next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics program with laboratory equipment and training to generate whole genome sequences of microbes that cause foodborne illness.
![ARS Campylobacter](https://uphl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/ARS_Campylobacter_jejuni.jpg)
![Image](https://uphl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/maxresdefault.jpg)
Next-Generation Sequencing
Next generation sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of the nucleotides within a DNA molecule in a high throughput manner.
The sequence data generated may be that of a single gene, a cluster of genes, a full chromosome or the entire genome of any organism.
![Image](https://uphl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Header-Image-crop-1024x559-1.jpg)
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatic analysis combines biology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering in order to analyze, interpret and make sense of the sequencing data.
This analysis allows,
- For a better understanding of the genetic basis of disease
- Aids in bacterial pathogen identification
- Can ultimately assist with outbreak detection