The growth of genomic regulation research at OMRF over the past ~10 years has been supported by the OMRF Clinical Genomics Center. This initially COBRE-supported core brought next generation sequencing capabilities to OMRF to support studies on the genetics of immunity. These sequencing capabilities have also been useful to genomic regulation research. However, key gaps in the portfolio of available core services have been chromatin accessibility and conformation analyses as well as the current generation of DNA-binding protein analyses and long read sequencing. The Epigenomics Core will be an upgrade of current facilities and employ personnel with extensive scientific experience in these areas to provide a range of sequencing technologies and methods. The significant experience of the PI and staff of operating resources and of transitioning a COBRE funded core to full self-sustainability will contribute to the success of the Core. The first impact of the Epigenomics Core will be to provide sequencing and associated services for user generated libraries of any type (e.g., SLAMSeq) and continue providing relevant services such as RNA-Seq. The Epigenomics Core will introduce new services specifically designed for the RPLs’ research and for genomic regulation research. Chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq), genomic localization of DNA binding proteins (ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&TAG), chromatin conformation (Pore-C) and long read nanopore sequencing of RNA (Iso-seq). With the customization often required of these protocols to meet the needs of the specific projects, the Epigenomics Core will work with investigators to develop workflows and ‘handoffs’ in the processes between the investigator and the Core. The Epigenomics Core will work closely with the Artificial Intelligence Core to assist researchers in assessing the output of these new data types and turning them into biological insights. The Epigenomics Core will give genomic regulation investigators in Oklahoma the capability to examine a wide range of endpoints critical to their studies. The development and continued growth of genomic regulation research at OMRF will be achieved through the Epigenomics Core offering advanced research tools and training to foster independence and to enhance the innovation and creativity of individual research programs. It will also serve to attract and retain talented investigators in service of our goal of building a vibrant and self-sustaining genomics regulation research community in Oklahoma.
Genomic regulation research is the interdisciplinary investigation of the organization, storage, and retrieval of genomic information to regulate cellular function. This research requires genome-wide data on chromatin conformation, DNA accessibility, genomic localization of DNA-binding proteins, and DNA modifications, along with the expression of encoded genes. Advanced sequencing analyses are a powerful set of tools for these studies, but the instrumentation, experience, and skills to fully exploit these tools are beyond the capability of a single laboratory. To provide our Research Project Leaders (RPLs), Pilot Award Leaders, and other genomic regulation researchers at OMRF and partner institutions state-of-the-art capabilities, the Epigenomics Core will provide instrumentation, services, and training for rigorous analyses relevant to their projects.
The purpose of the Epigenomics Core is to provide a range of technical services for data generation as well as expert advice in study design, experimental approaches, data analysis and interpretation, and grant proposal preparation. Importantly, the Epigenomics Core has a proven track record of integrating new technologies and methods as they become available – a continuing reality of the rapidly evolving genomic space – to meet needs of the RPLs and Pilot Project Leaders and remain at the forefront of the field.
Aim 1: Leverage state-of-the-art high throughput sample preparation and sequencing platforms to address key questions in genomic regulation research.
Aim 2: Increase the service offerings of the Epigenomics Core with new genomic regulation Technologies.
