Controlled Protein Translocation in Nanopores for Sequencing Applications - Project Summary
The ultimate goal in the field of proteomics is single-molecule, high-accuracy, de novo protein sequencing.
Unfortunately, current proteomics technologies are costly, and lack the sensitivity, dynamic range, throughput,
scale, and accuracy needed to meet this goal. During this project, we will begin examining the technological
components and methods required to enable state-of-the-art protein sequencing and characterization. More
specifically, we will develop methods for controllably translocating a protein through a nanopore reader such that
the protein can be sequenced. Nanopore-based sequencing provides a path to characterizing both high- and
low-abundance proteins by sequencing proteins one molecule at a time, but with high accuracy, sensitivity and
throughput needed to cover the wide dynamic range in protein abundance in the proteome. During this project,
we will develop a completely new nanopore-based technology for de novo protein sequencing. We will develop
and build a novel protein sequencing system prototype, fully assess and optimize the associated
workflow/methodology for highly controlled and versatile protein/peptide characterization, and demonstrate initial
sequencing for various proteins and peptides. At the conclusion of this project, we will have successfully
demonstrated feasibility for a practical nanopore-based protein sequencing concept.
