Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Imaging Core

The objective of the Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Imaging Core is to support and to enhance the research productivity of both COBRE and non-COBRE investigators. This is measured by our contributions to their peer-reviewed publications and grant applications. Our clients utilize our services from the study planning and design phase through the data analysis and presentation phase. The Core currently provides services for next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA Sanger sequencing, genotyping, cell line validation, bioinformatics and biostatistics support, as well as other equipment and services. In Phase III, we will further enhance our core and organize its operations under three co-directors who have complementary expertise that encompasses all aspects of services offered. Because of these enhancements, we added ‘Molecular Imaging’ to our moniker. We will pursue the following specific aims: (1) Maintain access and services for next-generation sequencing (RNA- Seq, WES, miRNA-Seq, Ampli-Seq), Sanger DNA sequencing with capillary electrophoresis, real-time PCR applications, measurements for luciferase assays, DNA and RNA isolation, quantitation and quality control of DNA and RNA with the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and cell line validation for investigators. (2) Expand the molecular portfolio of core services and implement new NGS applications by establishing Visium Spatial Gene Analysis using High-plex Proteomics and Whole Transcriptome Analysis, Chromium Single Cell Gene Expression and Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression using 10x Genomics and Illumina systems. (3) Continue biostatistics and bioinformatics support for data generated by the core and outside the core and develop new bioinformatics pipelines. (4) Expand and maintain sustainability and growth of the Core, by implementing recharge to all services and increase it over the course of Phase III and identify and deploy other sources of support. Our enhanced instrumentation and expanded personnel will make this possible, and this will help satiate the ever- increasing appetite for all of these applications. Our data analytic services will allow our clients to receive data that is not only clean and valid quantitatively but also has been put through a bioinformatics pipeline that makes it relevant biologically in broader terms. Both the biostatistics and bioinformatics components of the Core will contribute to the development of new and better approaches to the handling of the data our investigators generate.