Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (CUGBF)

Project Summary/Abstract Genomics and bioinformatics are the currency in today’s Life Science research. A major obstacle for junior faculty from IDeA states is the lack of state-of-the-art facilities and training opportunities commonly found in states with substantial NIH funding. This often hinders the generation of preliminary data necessary to be competitive for NIH R01 funding. The implementation of advanced tools to measure and interpret gene dynamics and genomic architecture is vital to the study of eukaryotic pathogens for the development of therapeutic intervention. Genomic level analyses and bioinformatics are a developing field, with rapidly emerging new standards and technologies that provide insight into the fundamentals of eukaryotic biology. Most life science researchers are not experienced in the use of bioinformatics and genomics. Therefore, we propose the continuation of the bioinformatics specialists hired under COBRE Phase I, hire an additional wet lab technician to handle our rapidly increasing load and then bolster the genomics, computational and bioinformatic infrastructure and educational outreach via the Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (CUGBF) throughout Phase II. The enhanced CUGBF is structured into three complementary parts: 1) a molecular laboratory with genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) resources, 2) a bioinformatics laboratory with high performance computing resources, & 3) the personnel and equipment at the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics- Genomics Sciences laboratory (CUCHG-GSL which is supported by a COBRE in Human Genetics). Having all three allows the enhanced CUGBF to offer a comprehensive service package from extraction and next-generation sequencing of nucleic acid to the complex data analysis and interpretation. Through this model, CUGBF has designed, executed, and educated EPIC TIs and CU faculty to enable the integration of genomics and bioinformatics into their research programs. The Primary goal of this COBRE Phase II core enhancement proposal is to continue to enhance the current physical and human capital for genomics and computational infrastructure of the CUGBF and integrate genomic data and computational resources into the TI’s and CU faculty research programs.