New DNA Sequencing Technique Shows Parental Inheritance

A group of researchers at the University of California's San Diego School of Medicine have successfully created a DNA sequencing method to determine the parental source of a gene. The technique is a combination of molecular biology and computational biology that allows a quick determination of which genetic sequences in an individual's DNA came from each parent. Current sequencing methods are extremely fast and are rapidly decreasing in cost, but none could distinguish the difference between the two gene copies in a diploid cell. 
Scientist Bing Ren, as part of the Ludwig Cancer Research Study, led the research on the new technique, named "HaploSeq." He claims that this method may revolutionize our ability to track the inheritance of diseases, to match donors with organs, and improve our understanding of human migration patterns. 
A great advantage of HaploSeq is that it builds on common sequencing technologies, so scientists will have a relative understanding of the process and be able to adapt to the new technique. Ren anticipates that HaploSeq will soon become widely used. 

By Lauren Coiro
Reference: Ludwig Cancer Research (2013, November 3). Is DNA from mom or dad? New technique will accelerate personalized medicine. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 11, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2013/11/131103140200.htm 

Links:

 Web Article 

Scientific paper in Nature Biotechnology Journal