Illumina and PacBio Sequencing of Human and Mouse DNA and RNA

The Mechanistic Studies Division (MSD) of Health Canada’s Environmental Health Research and Science Bureau investigates the pathways by which physical, chemical and microbiological agents can cause adverse health effects. To determine how chemical substances cause DNA damage that can lead to illnesses like cancer or inherited diseases, MSD requires high-throughput genome sequencing services utilizing Illumina and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) platforms.

The primary objective of this contract is to secure long-term high-quality sequencing services for pre-prepared DNA libraries and genomic DNA and/or RNA utilizing Illumina or PacBio Revio platforms for the full duration of projects funded until up to 2030-2031.

This requirement encompasses the sequencing of multiple mouse and human error-corrected next-generation sequencing (ecNGS) DNA libraries, genomic DNA and/or RNA samples in direct support of four distinct research projects. These projects are distributed across the Division and funded through three separate programs. Collectively, they employ advanced genomic technologies to support public health protection by identifying environmental mutagens, evaluating occupational hazards, and improving toxicological testing methodologies.

Specifically, this work will use ecNGS, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing and/or RNA-sequencing approaches to detect and characterize both spontaneous mutations and mutations induced by chemical and environmental exposures in mouse and human DNA as well as gene expression changes. The resulting data will contribute to a better understanding of mutagenic mechanisms, exposure-related genetic damage, and the development of more sensitive and informative approaches for genetic toxicology and human health risk assessment.