READNA · REvolutionary Approaches and Devices for Nucleic Acid Analysis

The REvolutionary Approaches and Devices for Nucleic Acid analysis – READNA – consortium is composed of researchers from 10 academic institutions, 5 SMEs and 3 large companies. The goals of the READNA consortium are to revolutionize nucleic acid analysis methods, by 1) improving elements necessary to use the currently emerging generation of nucleic acid sequencers in a meaningful and accessible way, 2) providing methods that allow in situ nucleic acid analysis and methods capable of selectively characterizing mutant DNA in a high background of wildtype DNA, 3) combining RNA and DNA analysis in a single analytical device, 4) providing technology to efficiently analyze DNA methylation (genome-wide, with high resolution and in its long-range context), 5) implementing novel concepts for high-throughput HLA-screening, 6) developing fully integrated solutions for mutational screening of small target regions (such as for screening newborns for cystic fibrosis mutations), 7) developing a device for screening multiple target regions with high accuracy, and 8) implementing strategies for effective and high-resolution genotyping of copy number variations. An important part of READNA is dedicated to the development of the next generation of nucleic analysis devices on individual DNA molecules by stretching out nucleic acid molecules in nanosystems, using alpha-hemolysing nanopores and carbon nanotubes. These approaches will benefit from improved interrogation and detection strategies which we will develop. Our methods and devices will boost the possibilities of genetic research by closing in on the target of 1000 Euros for the sequence of a complete human genome, while at the same time leading a revolution in cost-effective, non-invasive early screening for diseases such as cancer.