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A technology platform consists of the research expertise and technology
to enable virtually any investigator at MCW to conduct state-of-the-art
research in the area of functional genomics, particularly as it
relates to human disease. Each of the technology platforms is in
place to some degree and are being used by faculty members both
inside and outside the HMGC.
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Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics Research Center
designs and develops analytical tools, databases and laboratory
information management systems (LIMS). The BRC provides data
storage and analysis services to the other HMGC components
as
well as other campus-wide, national and international collaborators.
The BRC houses the Rat Genome Database among other web-based
research resources. Infrastructure support includes an HP Center
of Life Science Discovery HPC system, a wide array of Sun
Database
and Webservices servers supported by Oracle technology.
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Genotyping/Genomics
The Genomics platform provides essential expertise and most
of the technologies and reagents for positional cloning projects.
The technologies include genomic sequencing, genotyping, radiation
hybrid mapping, and screening and sequencing of large insert
clone libraries. We also focus on using comparative genomics
to integrate animal and human genetic studies.
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Microarray
This platform is primarily a technology platform designed to
train investigators to use microarrays. The training program
is currently under development and will be taught annually.
The laboratory possesses a large collection of arrayed, annotated
rat and human cDNA/EST clones. The equipment and the clones
have been supported by the Departments of Physiology and Pathology,
the Max McGee International Center of Juvenile Diabetes and
the HMGC.
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SNPs/Sequencing
This platform provides the ability to sequence large regions
of genomic DNA, and the development and use of single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) in genetic linkage studies. Dr. Olivier,
the program's director, joined MCW this spring from Stanford
University.
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Transgenics
Currently this platform consists of two parts: the Transgenic/Knock-out
Facility (Dr. Weiler), and Dr. Michalkiewicz' laboratory. The
Transgenic Facility currently operates as a fee for service
core, providing transgenic mice on request. Dr. Michalkiewicz'
lab constructs transgenic inbred rats studied as models of human
disease. Generally, the role of the translational platform is
to begin the transfer of basic clinical research results into
therapeutic studies. Our future goal is to extend this platform
into the areas of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell research.
- Individualized Medicine Institute
The goal of the IMI is to be an interface, to assist both clinicians and basic scientists in
achieving their goals in a more efficient and cost effective manner. The advent of genomics
has brought new possibilities for the use of genetic information to tailor medical treatment
to each individual's genetic background. Medicine needs to move into the future and to use
available technology to help bring treatment and diagnostic schemes to the individual level.
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