In an attempt to diversify the types of genomic data used in studies of diseases — which has typically been sourced from Caucasians — researchers at the University of Southern California are working to share the rich genomic data they collect from Los Angeles' diverse population with researchers across the country.
USC's department of translational genomics is working with the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center to develop the Keck Genomics Platform. KGP enables researchers to do molecular profiling via deep sequencing, which can be used to draw insights that answer specific research questions.
The platform, which includes a diverse set of genomic data collected at LAC+USC Medical Center, works by sequencing samples provided by researchers and applies biomedical informatics, sample processing, computational infrastructure and, most importantly, deep expertise in interpreting the huge data sets.
KGP leverages the NovaSeq sequencer and liquid-handling robotics to help researchers conduct genomic studies more quickly and more affordably, acting as a one-stop-genomics-shop. It even includes so-called "tough samples," which contain highly degraded nucleic acid species.
"But we've made it our mission for KGP to optimize the workflows capable of overcoming some of the limitations to produce high-quality data … Between these capabilities and our in-house infrastructure, KGP will deliver a large reduction in cost. This will let USC researchers ask more questions, to better understand and treat diseases," said Zarko Manojlovic, PhD, assistant professor of research and director of KGP.
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