MRC Precision Medicine DTP: DNA nanostructures as probes for multi-omic analyses

Background
Multi-omic analyses [1] are expected to revolutionize medicine by increasing our understanding of disease and enabling treatments to be personalized. In multi-omic studies, experimental data is obtained using various high-throughput methods that probe a wide range of biomarkers. However, in many cases, different techniques must be used for each type of marker to be monitored. The apparatus required is often expensive and the procedures can be complex. The goal of this project is to create a low-cost easy-to-use platform that will allow many different biomarkers to be investigated in parallel in a single measurement.
In this system, DNA nanostructures will be used as customized molecular barcodes [2] [3]. Synthetic DNA molecules will be designed to self-assemble [4] [5] into nanoscale objects, and a set of such structures will be formed. Through chemical or biological modification of specific DNA molecules, each species of nanostructure will be designed to interact with one particular target. An assay will be established for the study of complex samples and streamlined quantitative methods will be developed for processing the large datasets that will be generated.
The technology resulting from this project has potential applications in various areas of medicine. It could be used in a clinical setting as a diagnostic tool or in a laboratory environment to enhance our understanding of the causes and mechanisms of disease.

Aims
The aim of this project is to develop the foundations of a new technology that has the potential to enable different omic datasets to be acquired simultaneously on complex samples in either a laboratory or a clinical setting.

Training outcomes
The student undertaking this project will:
-become familiar with biological laboratory techniques
-learn to generate, curate and analyse large datasets
-master techniques for quantitative data analysis
-acquire experience in the development of a new technology for precision medicine
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This MRC programme is joint between the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. You will be registered at the host institution of the primary supervisor detailed in your project selection.

All applications should be made via the University of Edinburgh, irrespective of project location:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=919

Please note, you must apply to one of the projects and you should contact the primary supervisor prior to making your application. Additional information on the application process is available from the link above.

For more information about Precision Medicine visit:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/precision-medicine