Functional Genomics Core

SUMMARY The Functional Genomics Core (FGC) is a critical component of the COBRE Center for Targeted Therapeutics (CTT) at the University of South Carolina (USC). Its mission is to provide state-of-the-art genomic services to interested investigators and the support they need to accomplish their goals in genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics. The FGC is the only functional genomics core on the USC campus; during Phases 1 and 2, FGC services have been utilized by a total of 52 laboratories, including the COBRE Research Project Leaders, Pilot Project Leaders, mentors and researchers supported by other IDeA programs, as well as investigators at USC and other Institutions in the region with interest in functional genomics. The specific goals of the FGC during CTT COBRE Phase 3 are the following: 1) To provide state- of-the-art genomic and transcriptomic analysis and cell line modification services to CTT COBRE investigators, as well as investigators at USC and other regional Institutions with an interest in targeted therapeutics. 2) To train investigators in Next Generation genomics strategies and modern cell-line genetic modification approaches and assist them in applying these techniques to their specific research interests, and 3) To develop and implement programs that will enhance FGC's long-term sustainability. Through the above services and expert scientific advice, the FGC will enable Targeted Therapeutics investigators to venture into areas of research that require sophisticated skills and years of experience, accelerating the pace of discovery and helping USC scientists win research support for the studies involving functional genomics.