The Gene Expression Resource (GER) was established with the successful recruitment ofLesleyann Hawthorn, PhD in 2001. The Resource has flourished since that time with a broad base ofsatisfied users whose continued patronage is derived from a unique approach to microarrayexperimentation. Its success is largely due to a commitment to provide researchers with high-qualitymicroarray data with the added advantage of data analysis so that the results provided to the individualresearchers are in a usable format, unlike most array-based facilities. Dr Hawthorn and the GER staff keepabreast of emerging technologies to provide users with a broad range of expertise and options. This successis substantiated by a large user base, publications and awarded grants. The Resource is functionally dividedinto Gene Expression, Genotyping, and Copy Number Analysis at the genomics level. At the level ofindividual chromosomal regions or specific genes, it offers mutation/polymorphism analysis, SNP validationand discovery, expression level quantification and analysis of methylation status. Most importantly, theResource offers data analysis for all the platforms that it supports and provides expertise, time and fundingfor the development of novel technologies. For example, Exon array analysis has been developed whichallows simultaneous detection of gene expression and alternative splicing events. Furthermore, theResource is now able to run Whole-Genome Tiling arrays, which permit the highest-resolution Chip-on-Chipanalysis as well as the detection of novel transcripts in genomic DNA. During the last few years, theResource has been working on innovative approaches to the analysis of genomics data. One of thesecenters on the high-density SNP arrays that offer the highest density genotyping, as well as simultaneousCGH analysis with accompanying LOH analysis. Gene Expression has been using these arrays to look forgains and losses of chromosomal regions (CGH). The ability of the SNP Mapping arrays to detect standardcytogenetic abnormalities represents a major advancement over conventional karyotyping. The GER hascollaborated with Dr Cowell's group (GN) to develop statistical analysis tools that permit the overlay of geneexpression data with aCGH data, thus enhancing the power of both these technologies. Members of the sixCCSG programs utilized this Resource over the last project period. The Resource was instrumental inenhanced peer-reviewed funding, publications and recruitment efforts. It is anticipated that with the newrecruitment into the CSBT Program (Dr Gudkov), MTET Program (Dr Adjei), and Til (Dr Lee) the utilization ofthe Resource will expand. The Resource is used by all six Programs and 98% of users are CCSGmembers. $80,355 in CCSG support is requested, representing 11% of the total operating budget.
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