11.1
Genomics and bioinformatics
Keywords
Next-generation sequencing, gene expression analysis,
DNA sequencing, computational genomics analyses,
microarray
Expertise
Genomics – the study of an organism’s genetic makeup
–
has become the mainstay of most life science projects.
Nowadays researchers use high-throughput systems to
sequence vast lengths of DNA, even the genomes of
entire organisms, in a fraction of the time. The analysis
of this sequencing data is then probed, mapped and
analysed using powerful bioinformatics – combining
algorithms, statistics and data analysis to find significant
patterns in huge volumes of genetic information.
The University’s Centre for Genomic Research (CGR)
operates as a full service centre for genomic sciences,
providing infrastructure as well as analytical and technical
expertise to the wider research community. The Centre
possesses a range of state-of-the-art DNA sequencing
platforms, while its microarray facility offers the full range
of high-density technological platforms for microarray
analyses.
We have a large team of microarray specialists who
support microarray processing (design, fabrication and
image analysis). We have nine next-generation
sequencing platforms and a range of associated
equipment including robotics and compute clusters
for computational analyses and bioinformatics.
The Centre can apply its expertise in sequence assembly,
genome annotation, gene expression analysis and
statistics. We provide genomics services for the entire UK
and undertake contract and collaborative research with
industrial partners.
The Centre for Genomic Research (CGR) performs
world-class research at the leading edge of genomic
technologies and data analyses. With a diverse
portfolio of projects ranging from metagenomics,
plant and animal studies to cancer genomics and
human genetics, the CGR is constantly exploring
new technologies and making innovative approaches
and applications available to researchers investigating
fundamental and applied biological processes.
Capabilities and facilities
Next-generation sequencing:
Platforms:
• 2
x 454 GS FLX+ machine
• 1
x Roche 454 GS Junior
• 1
x Ion Torrent PGM machine
• 1
x Illumina HiSeq 2000
• 1
x Illumina MiSeq
• 1
x Illumina GAIIx
• 1
x Life Technologies 5500xl
Applications
•
Biomedical and clinical questions, including cancer
genomics and transcriptomics as well as human
genetics
•
Genomics, population structures and evolution of
pathogens and their hosts
•
Nutrigenomics, health and ‘wellness’
•
Biotechnology
•
Environmental and evolutionary biology
•
Mechanisms and biomarkers in drug-and-eco-
toxicology and disease resistance
•
Biofuel species and sustainable energy production
•
Agri-tech, including food security issues, processing
and husbandry.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Centre for Genomic Research
•
Technology Directorate.
Health & Wellbeing
50
Also see:
Food Security & Safety,
page 127
