Analytical and Translational Genomics

Project Summary/Abstract – ANALYTICAL & TRANSLATIONAL GENOMICS The Analytical and Translational Genomics (Genomics) Shared Resource supports basic and translational cancer research by providing UNMCCC members with cost-effective, full service next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell sequencing and initial data analysis, plus assistance with functional genomics assays and other genomics-related technologies. Faculty Director Scott Ness, Ph.D. (CMO) supervises the Resource, which uses a chargeback model and is operated by a full-time staff including experienced wet lab research technicians and a bioinformatics expert who interfaces with the Bioinformatics Shared Resource. The Genomics Resource provides several types of NGS services including RNA-seq and ChIP-seq as well as targeted (e.g. gene panel) DNA sequencing using its Ion Proton S5/XL sequencing instrument as well as coordinating with outside partners for larger Illumina sequencing projects. The Genomics Resource maintains a secure cloud-based computing infrastructure for storage of large data sets and to facilitate the integrated bioinformatics analyses of NGS data. The Genomics Resource performs initial processing and detailed analysis of NGS data for users, utilizing sophisticated statistical tools and software packages and adhering to strict quality control guidelines. Through interactions with the Biostatistics Shared Resource and the Bioinformatics Shared Resource, the Genomics Resource provides users with a complete range of services from detailed experimental design through advanced bioinformatics and statistical data analysis. Reservations, billing and usage are tracked through a centralized online system. The Resource Director and staff work closely with the Research Programs to develop new methodologies that promote innovative basic and translational research goals and the Resource actively facilitates and disseminates information about new genomics technologies and data analysis techniques by maintaining an up-to-date web page and by giving presentations at UNMCCC meetings and retreats. During the previous 5-yr project period, 44 UNMCCC members from all 3 Research Programs used the Resource. They were supported by 82 peer-reviewed grants and produced 34 cancer-focused publications that cited the Resource. In the reporting year of July 2019 – June 2020, the CCSG provided 17% of the Resource budget and UNMCCC members were responsible for 86% of total Resource usage.