Diabetes Genomics and Analysis Core

DIABETES GENOMICS AND ANALYSIS CORE (DGAC): PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The SDRC Diabetes Genomics and Analysis Core (DGAC) supports the genomic research of SDRC
investigators through access to next-generation sequencing and modern bioinformatics analysis. Nucleotide
sequencing has become essential for formulating and resolving crucial biological questions in many contexts,
like diabetes. This includes determining the underlying causes of human diseases to monitoring gene
expression, elucidating regulatory networks and exploring organismal diversity that may impact human health,
like human microbiomes. Researchers use this technology increasingly for an ever-broadening range of
applications to detect and characterize nucleic acid molecules (RNA and DNA). The overall goal of the DGAC
is to provide SDRC investigators with a next-generation sequencing facility composed of state-of-the-art
laboratory, computational facilities and engaged bio-informatics support. The DGAC is committed to providing
SDRC laboratories with the expertise and technical support necessary to realize the potential of next-
generation sequencing in a cost-effective manner regardless of their existing expertise in genomics. This
includes active evolution of core services, like the development of the wildly popular bio-informatics ‘Office
Hours’ and consulting services: thus, the DGAC helps SDRC members from ‘start to finish’ with their
genomics-based experiments. We will continue to offer a complete package of services ranging from study
design consultation, library preparation services, access to sequencing technologies, and analysis and
interpretation of sequencing data. SDRC laboratories can leverage the technologies and expertise of the
DGAC to overcome cost-prohibitive barriers of entry into genomics. Based on the strengths of the DGAC and
its contributions, the specific aims are to provide SDRC core users guidance with design of their next-
generation sequencing projects, access to a broad range of nucleotide library preparation services, access to
sequencing services with modern sequencing technologies, and support with data analysis and interpretation
of their sequencing projects. The proven strengths of the DGAC in these techniques will continue to provide
investigators with a unique opportunity to effectively apply powerful research approaches that would be
prohibitively difficult for individual laboratories to develop. The DGAC serves as an invaluable resource for the
SDRC, providing investigators with the next-generation sequencing expertise and training necessary to
examine the genome at a level of access and subsidized cost for SDRC members that is not achievable at
Stanford without this core. The DGAC will also serve SDRC members at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, including
those supported through the proposed Regional Pilot & Feasibility Award expansion. Based on growth of the
SDRC membership, evolution of exciting new technologies, and increasing membership demand for bio-
informatic support and analysis, we anticipate growth in use of the specialized and unique DGAC services in
the coming years.

Grant Number: 5P30DK116074-09
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: HASSAN CHAIB