Stanford University Genomics Shared Resource

Stanford University Genomics Shared Resource is a state-of-the-art genomics facility dedicated to providing the latest genomic research tools at low-cost.

The primary goal of the GSR is to facilitate high-impact genomic-based cancer research by Stanford Cancer Center members. This goal is accomplished by providing Cancer Center members with access to cutting-edge technologies and providing the services, expertise, and scientific support necessary for utilizing these genomic tools.

Technologies and services currently provided by the GSR include: high-throughput sequencing (Illumina Genome Analyzer II, ABI SOLiD, Roche Genome Sequencer FLX, and Helicos HeliScope), microarray services utilizing Affymetrix, Agilent, Illumina, Nimblegen, Stanford, and other platforms, genotyping services utilizing the Affymetrix and Illumina platforms, real-time quantitative PCR. Genomic reagents, such as clones, microarrays, and spike-in controls, are also provided. Expert assistance with the use of these technologies is also provided throughout the entire experimental process. Guidance with experimental design, data analysis, data archiving, and publication is a major component of the GSR.

The resources of the Stanford Functional Genomics Facility (SFGF), Protein and Nucleic Acid Facility (PAN), and Stanford Microarray Database (SMD) have combined to provide the full spectrum of services offered by the Genomics Shared Resource and has a total combined operating budget of $3M. John Coller, PhD (SFGF), is the Director of the shared resource, and Catherine Ball, PhD (SMD) co-directs the GSR. Patrick Brown, MD, PhD, and Gavin Sherlock, PhD, are faculty advisors. There are currently 96 Cancer Center members using the shared resource, representing all program affiliations. In 2008, Cancer Center members published 39 papers using data stored and analyzed using the Stanford Microarray Database component of the GSR.

Future goals are to increase access to high-throughput sequencing technologies and improve bioinformatics support and infrastructure required to implement the latest generation of genomics tools.