Research Resources
The Genetics department is an outstanding environment for basic science and translational research. There is a strong core of post doctoral trainees that contribute to the research. The faculty are funded through several mechanisms including a large number of NCI R01 grants, CPRIT (Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas), grants from other agencies and philanthropy. Grants to the department total approximately 10 million dollars annually in direct costs. The research in the department is also greatly enhanced by departmental infrastructure and leadership in institutional core facilities.
The Advanced Technology Genomics Core (ATGC)
The Advanced Technology Genomics Core is an institutional core facility partially funded by the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). The ATGC provides MD Anderson investigators with reliable nucleic acid analysis services using traditional and next generation sequencing technologies, and microarray platforms. The ATGC is directed by Vicki Huff, Ph.D., managed by Erika Thompson and administered through the Department of Genetics.
CPRIT Integrated Single Cell Genomics Center (Single Core)
This CPRIT-funded facility supports collaborative projects and core services for single cell sequencing technologies. The core is directed by Nicholas Navin, Ph.D. and consists of four main components:
1. Tissue dissociation facility
2. Technologies & assays
3. Next-generation sequencing
4. Data processing & analysis
The Cytogenetics and Cell Authentication Core (CCAC)
The primary goal of this core is to offer conventional and molecular cytogenetic services, including species identification, karyotyping, analysis of genomic instability, fluorescence in situ hybridization and spectral karyotyping. Guillermina (Gigi) Lozano, Ph.D., is the director and Asha S. Multani, Ph.D., is the co-director of the facility. (CCAC) is administered through the Department of Genetics.
Genetically Engineered Mouse Facility (GEMF)
The purpose of the Genetically Engineered Mouse Facility (GEMF) is to provide technologically advanced and efficient mouse models to faculty members at the institution and beyond. Modifications to the genome utilizing zygote injections and ES cell mutagenesis, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization and rederivation of mouse lines are all technologies supported by the facility. The facility is fully equipped with the latest instrumentation to produce and QC each model. Highly skilled personnel are specifically trained to produce and analyze mutant mice. GEMF is administered by Fabien Delerue, Ph.D., through Department of Genetics.
Microscopy Core
The Department of Genetics maintains a modern Microscopy Core with multiple platforms for live imaging, deconvolution, confocal, stereofluorescence, and brightfield microscopy. Imaging is supported by numerous software programs for processing and analyzing datasets. The core is directed by Adriana Paulucci, Ph.D., who maintains the imaging equipment and trains departmental members on their use.