Cancer Genomics Shared Resource

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

CANCER GENOMICS SHARED RESOURCE (CGSR): PROJECT SUMMARY The overarching objective of the Cancer Genomics Shared Resource (CGSR)is to maximize the scientific impact of basic, translational, and clinical cancer research at the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (WFBCCC). CGSR achieves this objective by providing rapid and cost-effective access to state-of-the-art next- generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and services, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and education in genomic sciences. CGSR services support a range of research proje cts chiefly directed at the discovery and characterization of genomic, transcriptomic, and/or epigenetic alterations that: (1) underlie cancer formation and progression; (2) predict clinical cancer behavior and treatment outcomes; (3) define inter- and intra-tumoral molecular and clonal heterogeneity; and (4) impact tumor-immune and drug-response interactions. CGSR prioritizes cancer-related funded research, creates an optimal environment for the rapidly developing Cancer Center’s Precision Oncology Initiative, as set forth in its Strategic Plan, and partners with other shared resources to promote integrated cross-shared resource service workflows for advanced genomic applications, such as single-cell sequencingand spatial single-cell gene expression profiling. CGSR is co-led by Lance Miller, MS, PhD and GregoryHawkins, PhD, who have established records in cancer genomics research and funding. CGSR is operated by four full-time technicians with advanced genomics expertise. To expedite data processing and analysis, a staff bioinformatician is shared between the CGSR and the Bioinformatics Shared Resource. During the current funding cycle, CGSR has expanded from2.5 to 4.0 full-time technicians, grown its sequencing services by more than 3-fold, established single-cell sequencing platforms, introduced automation of NGS library preparation, upgraded NGS sequencing capacity, raised its user base from 39 to 57 WFBCCC members, and coordinated multiple successful collaborations with other WFBCCC Shared Resources. Du ring the current funding cycle (11/01/15–10/31/20), CGSR provided genomic services to 92 investigators, 57 (62%) of whom were WFBCCC members. Notably, 70% of CGSR’s total service capacity (measured by total staff -hours) was utilized by WFBCCC members. CGSR services directly supported 34 cancer-focused publications and contributed to the successful award of 22 NCI grants (12 R01s, 5 R21s, 2 R37s, 1 R33, 1 U01, and 1 K22) and cancer-focused grants from the Department of Defense (five), American Cancer Society (two), and other foundations (five).