Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (DNA Sequencer)
What We Do
The Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) is the latest technological feat and advancement in next generation DNA sequencing technology. DNA sequencing is a method of decoding a person’s genetic information, thereby assisting the diagnosis of genetic diseases by identifying the mutated genes within a patient’s DNA genome.
The discovery of a disease causing mutation can lead to the treatment of the root cause of a genetic condition, rather just merely addressing the symptoms. We use DNA sequencing as a means, particularly in this research institute, to discover a disease causing mutation.
In conjunction with the University of Sydney, we are the only university-based lab in Sydney to possess a Next Generation Sequencing device using this technology.
Facility Functions
Through a series of storage tanks, Dewar’s, the Liquid Nitrogen Storage facility provides researchers at the Kids Research Institute with a safe and effective means for the storage of samples and experiments in sub-zero temperatures.
An in-line system for liquid nitrogen access and storage is currently being acquired to improve the Liquid Nitrogen Store’s capabilities. The PGM device will aid the efforts of KRI researchers by allowing them to identify the genetic mutations behind various childhood diseases and conditions. Not only will the PGM give KRI researchers access to next generation DNA sequencing technology for the first time ever, the PGM is also equipped with capabilities that far exceed other DNA sequencing devices.
Using previous, much slower techniques, the process of identifying specific mutated genes may take a number of years. With the PGM, that process has the potential to be reduced to a mere 3 months. Another time saving factor is the PGM’s run-time. Whereas other technologies may take up to 2 weeks to run, the Ion Torrent PGM’s runtime is a mere 2 hours.
The PGM is also known by the KRI’s staff as the world’s most expensive iPhone charger. The system was delivered with a built-in iPhone/iPod dock, enabling users to access the PGM’s functions via any compatible Apple handheld device.
Current Projects
Prior to the release of the PGM, the cost of purchasing Next Generation Sequencing Machine may cost up to $1,000,000. The PGM, however, was purchased by the KRI for under $100,000, and in a few years’ time is able to offer services and capabilities that surpass those of other, more expensive Nex-Gen devices.
Life Technology, the creators of the PGM, has guaranteed that every 6 months, it will increase the PGM’s capacity by 10-fold. The first chip was capable of acquiring 10 Megabases of genetic information. Half a year later, the next chip had a capacity of 100 Megabases.
This is possible through the use semi-conductor technology, which enables various system upgrades for the PGM that are not possible for other DNA sequencing devices, exhibiting the potential for the PGM device to far exceed the system’s initial operating capacity.
Major Achievements
The acquisition of the Ion Torrent PGM system was the outcome of the joint efforts of the University of Sydney’s Monkol Lek, Prof. Kathryn North (Head of the Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research) and the NHMRC (the KRI’s funding source).
At only 10% the cost (including both the purchase of the equipment and additional operating costs) of competing next generation sequencing technologies, the PGM has given the KRI the capacity that few diagnostic research labs currently possess, helping place the KRI at the forefront of medical research.
The PGM will expand the Institute’s capabilities and potential; inevitably assist research efforts into the prevention and cure of childhood genetic diseases and conditions.
Prepared by: David Shi, 2011 Science Communications Intern
