Ambitious project to develop low-cost genome sequencing for pathogens known and unknown

Genomic surveillance is a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases. By analysing the genetic makeup of pathogens like viruses or bacteria, scientists can track the spread of outbreaks and understand their evolution over time.  

Improved access to genomic sequencing will support public health laboratories to respond more effectively to outbreaks of new and emerging viruses, as well as providing better understanding of novel mutations that occur randomly, leading to immune evasion or increased resistance to treatments.

Edinburgh-based PIs Andrew Rambaut, Rachel Colquhoun and Áine O’Toole, in the School of Biological Sciences, will support development of new open-source tools and phylogenetic methodologies for analysis of viral outbreaks.  Crucially, the new resources will be accessible to those without expert bioinformatics training in public health and academic labs the across the globe, which is particularly critical for adoption in lower-resourced health systems.

The project will also improve the way in which data is shared between researchers through a new initiative called Pathoplexus, led by University of Edinburgh alumna Emma Hodcroft. 

A key element of the ARTIC-2 programme will be the continued development of a low-cost laboratory protocols and accessible analysis tools, to increase access to sequencing approaches in lower resource settings.  By focusing on open-source methods and minimising the reliance on expensive proprietary equipment and reagents, the team aims to reduce the cost of sequencing to £10 per sample.

ARTIC Network

School of Biological Sciences

Áine O'Toole

Rachel Colquhoun

Emma Hodcroft

Pathoplexus

The Wellcome Trust