METALLOORGANIC LABELS FOR DNA-SEQUENCING AND MAPPING

The sequencing and mapping of DNA and the technologies to accomplish t hese tasks are rapidly evolving. Sequence information can give insite into the location and function of genes, provide an understanding of t he relationship between variations in sequence and different genetic d iseases, and serve as a basis for the prediction, treatment and cure o f those disease conditions. In pursuit of these capabilities the Human Genome Program has proposed sequencing the entire human genome over t he next 15 years. The work presented here represents our efforts to ad vance the technology for faster and more automated sequencing procedur es. Focusing on metal-centered organic compounds and a variety of dete ction methods, several strategies for labeling and detecting DNA seque ncing reaction products are presented. The synthesis and testing of a variety of compounds and approaches are discussed including mass label s using tin, iron and lanthanide elements, electrochemically detectabl e ferrocene derivatives, and luminescent complexes of given lanthanide s. The results of this work are discussed and future directions presen ted.