CAREER: Enabling next era nucleic acid biotechnology through XNA sequencing

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $836,598 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The project develops tools to read expanded genetic alphabets that contain bases other than A, T, G, and C, and studies how natural biological systems interact with these unnatural DNA letters. This research contributes to transformative applications in nucleic acid biotechnology, and has the potential to improve diagnostic assays, lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics, and enhance biomanufacturing techniques. The project integrates these research activities with robust educational objectives: preparing a globally competitive workforce through workshops for industry professionals, fostering public engagement with hands-on community activities, and developing online resources for data science education. Graduate and undergraduate students participating in the project will gain valuable skills and mentorship experience, contributing to STEM workforce development. This research addresses key challenges in expanded genetic alphabets, focusing on three objectives. First, it aims to improve generalizability (and accuracy) of next generation sequencing for unnatural base pairs through deep learning. Second, it develops single-context sequencing models that enable high accuracy measurements of polymerase replication fidelity for unnatural bases. With this new methodology, the project measures polymerases replication fidelity of various polymerase for these unnatural bases in various model in vitro systems - such as PCR and LAMP. Lastly, the project investigates the biocompat

Key facts

NSF award ID
2440857
Awardee
University of Washington (WA)
SAM.gov UEI
HD1WMN6945W6
PI
Jorge A Marchand
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
NANOSCALE BIO CORE, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
Estimated total
$836,598
Funds obligated
$836,598
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030