The Genomics Technology Core can produce statistical methods for visualizing cellular data, such as t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding.
The University of Missouri’s advanced technology cores and national research centers offer researchers the instruments, equipment, technologies and expertise to push the boundaries of discovery and innovation.
This month, the Division of Research, Innovation & Impact highlights tools and support offered by the Genomics Technology Core (GTC) with help from Director Nathan Bivens. He answers questions about how the core assists MU researchers – and external academic investigators and commercial entities – in their explorations.
What is the Genomics Technology Core?
The Genomics Technology Core provides genomic-related services to investigators throughout the University of Missouri System, other academic institutions and businesses. The GTC is an institutional resource that educates, trains and assists researchers in the use of sequencing technologies with a focus on the implementation of emerging genomic technologies to enhance future research capabilities.
What services does the core offer MU researchers?
The GTC offers four main areas of sequence technology:
- Sanger Sequencing Services
- Next‐Generation Sequencing Services
- Metagenomic/16S Sequencing Services
- 10x Genomic Single Cell Services
How are MU investigators using sequencing technologies in their research?
The GTC provides services to more than 125 UM System researchers who work in a wide range of disciplines and areas that are all part of the vital research being conducted in the system. Some examples of research using core services:
- Our targeted amplicon approach has been highly useful in supporting Dr. Marc Johnson’s work in monitoring wastewater to detect and track SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in communities in Missouri and throughout the United States.
- The whole-genome sequencing approach generates data that can be used in the study of inherited diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine, such as with Dr. Leslie Lyons’ and Dr. Gary Johnson’s research. Both researchers are interested in identifying the underlying molecular genetic causes of diseases.
- Dr. Rene Cortese in the School of Medicine uses epigenomic and single-cell sequencing approaches to study complex diseases such as sleep disorders and circulating tumor DNA.
- The core provides targeted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for Dr. Aaron Ericsson and the MU Metagenomics Center to support the characterization of gut microbiota. These studies help understand the role microbes play in both the health of organisms and the development of diseases.
What are some of the main benefits of using the core’s Enzyme Freezer Program?
The Enzyme Freezer Program provides quick access to enzymes and reagents from 20 different life sciences companies. Many reagents are provided with discounts. In addition to stocked items, non-stocked items may be specially ordered to take advantage of the waived shipping fees. A big advantage for MU researchers is the savings on research consumables/reagents acquired through the core.
What kind of consultation and project planning services do core staff offer researchers?
Researchers can schedule a time to discuss projects and grant proposals with the GTC staff. Assistance with study design or budget determination is provided at no cost. The Genomics Technology Core is a campus resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
How does the core work with external researchers or commercial entities?
All core services are available to external researchers and commercial entities. The core has worked with researchers from around the world and understands the potentially unique technical challenges in shipping samples. The core also is aware of financial requirements and the approvals needed to successfully execute external projects. The first step is to contact the core to begin a discussion.
How do researchers request core services or contact the core for more information?
The Genomics Technology Core website is a great resource to learn about core services and submission requirements. Questions or requests for a meeting can be directed to our general core email account, mugenomicscore@missouri.edu.