UTA invests in cutting-edge genomic research technology

$1 million gene sequencer is the only one of its kind in North Texas

2024-10-15

(Press-News.org) The North Texas Genome Center (NTGC) at UT Arlington is getting an upgrade in the form of a next-generation genetic sequencer that will allow researchers to study genetic links between health and disease at a large scale. The new $1 million instrument, the only one of its kind in North Texas, will allow faculty and students to more deeply analyze rare genetic variants, an important step in discovering new insights for the future of health care.

“I’m excited to be able to expand and upgrade the technological capabilities of the North Texas Genome Center, a collaborative venture between UTA and other universities, medical centers and corporate partners,” said Kate C. Miller, vice president for research and innovation at UT Arlington. “The NTGC was a leader during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. This new equipment will allow our scientists to further advance their research in genomics at reduced cost, compared to the past.”

Called next-generation sequencing, this new technology will allow for additional DNA sequencing to discover new variants and better understand genome regulation.

“This addition to the NTGC will be a great asset for UTA’s science researchers, particularly our faculty and students who have active genome research on many topics ranging from cancer biology and antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis to diseases killing coral reefs and snake bite treatments,” said Morteza G. Khaledi, dean of the College of Science.

The upgrade to the University’s core genome lab facility is especially welcome now, as UTA’s is undertaking a faculty recruiting initiative, RISE 100, to hire 100 tenure-track faculty, 20 to 25 non-tenure-track research faculty and 40 postdoctoral researchers. The new faculty will amplify the impact of research at UTA as well as improve the undergraduate experience and enhance graduate education.

“This technology will be another asset for our top bioengineering faculty and students,” said Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering. “Some of the ongoing research we have now aims to understand damaging brain swelling in newborns and improve imaging tools to track problematic heart cells. The addition of this new genetic sequencer will be a great resource for investigators.”

Founded in 2018, the NTGC is dedicated to using technology to help researchers better understand how genetic variations can lead to faster disease diagnoses, improved treatment outcomes and, ultimately, lower costs for health providers and patients.

“UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s research integrates expertise of CONHI faculty with disciplinary expertise in nursing, kinesiology, public health, engineering and informatics, often incorporating interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments at UTA and researchers at other universities,” said Elizabeth Merwin, dean of CONHI.

“Our extensive research ranges from basic sciences to clinical care to population health across the continuum of health and the health condition, with contributions spanning bone and muscle health, cardiovascular disease, health disparities, patient outcomes, exercise science and other health related areas,” Dr. Merwin added. “The new gene sequencer will advance clinical translational sciences research, facilitate the integration of precision medicine into more research studies and enhance interdisciplinary research.”

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UT Arlington is the second-largest institution in the UT System. UTA’s combination of outstanding academics and innovative research contributes to its designation as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, a significant milestone of excellence. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving-Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to accelerating Latino student success. The University ranks as the No. 1 national public university in the U.S. for veterans (Military Times, 2024), No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and No. 6 in the United States for its undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UT Arlington’s approximately 270,000 alumni occupy leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas and contribute to the University’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.

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