Jeremy S. Edwards, Ph.D.

Jeremy S. Edwards, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Professor, Department of Chemical & Nuclear Engineering
Co-Director, New Mexico Spatiotemporal Modeling Center
Co-Director, Keck-UNM Genomics Resource (KUGR Facility)
Health Sciences Center, The University of New Mexico

Dr. Edwards has disclosed seven inventions, has seven pending patent applications, and an exclusive license agreement with a company interested in his DNA sequencing technology. Dr. Edwards and his co-inventors have developed an innovative, next generation genetic sequencing platform that implements an ISFET (ion-sensitive field-effect transistor) integrated circuit in haplotype sequencing. This technology represents a significant advancement in DNA sequencing, showing great promise in reducing overall genome sequencing time and cost.

Genome sequencing has made substantial progress in recent years. In the early 1990s, the Human Genome Project gathered data on the sequence of DNA base pairs as well as identified over 20,000 genes in human DNA. Having the ability to analyze and understand DNA has led to better understanding and treatments of diseases such as cancer and has caused increased interest in this field of study. Each genome stores a substantial amount of information which must be analyzed and compared to other genomes. Since this is far too much data for humans to effectively manage, a large part of the sequencing process is performed by a computer. Most DNA sequencers are currently optically based. New sequencers are being introduced with ISFET technology which reduces cost and improves the efficiency of the sequencing process. The other advantages of the ISFET technology include a significant reduction in sensor area, an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and increased sensitivity. Dr. Edwards recently received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop his sequencing technologies which can be used on any sequencer to provide more detailed genomic information.

Dr. Edwards’ research interests are centered on two areas: spatial-temporal modeling of signaling networks and functional genomics tool development. The development of spatially realistic simulations helps in understanding the importance of spatial regulation in signal transduction. Ongoing research will provide an unprecedented level of detail regarding the changing topography of membrane organization and contribute new insight into the nature and assembly of membrane micro-domains controlling signal transduction and membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells.

UNM-Affiliated Pending Patent Applications