Genome British Columbia

OUR VISION To be amongst the leaders worldwide in using innovative approaches to bringing the benefits of genomics to socio-economic sectors that are important provincially, nationally and internationally especially aquaculture and fisheries, environment, forestry and human health.

OUR OBJECTIVES To bring together researchers from universities, hospitals, industry, government laboratories, and other organizations. To carry out large scale genomics research projects that draw on BC’s existing strengths, expertise and facilities. To establish science and technology platform facilities and capabilities essential for the large-scale projects.

To promote economic benefits from Genome BC’s research by protecting and commercializing intellectual property, preferably in BC or elsewhere in Canada. To ensure BC’s leadership in selected ethical, legal and social issues related to genomics. To effectively communicate the results of Genome BC’s research to the public. To facilitate a public outreach program encouraging public education and involvement. To lead the development of a vibrant and innovative genomics community in BC.

LARGE SCALE PROJECTS

Genomics Research on Atlantic Salmon Genomics approaches to improving health and husbandry in the aquaculture of Atlantic salmon, and facilitating the conservation of wild salmon stocks. Complements the Atlantic salmon project proposed by the Atlantic Genome Centre.

Microbial Envirogenomics Using genomic studies of microorganisms and microbial communities to facilitate the clean up of environmental pollutants (bioremediation) and the efficient, sustainable production of fine chemicals (green chemistry).

Forestry Genomics Increasing the value of Canada’s forests through improved understanding of gene expression, and marker-aided selection for tree health and wood quality traits.

Cancer Genomics New approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer based on comparative genomics studies of normal and malignant stem cells and the initial stages of tumor formation.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Genomics Using functional genomics to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of obstructive lung disease, valvular heart disease and atherosclerosis.

C. elegans Knock-outs Increasing our understanding of cellular processes in humans using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism.

Pathogenomics Developing novel approaches to infectious disease therapy, diagnosis and vaccine development based on understanding the processes of pathogen-host interactions.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

Sequencing and Mapping Will be managed jointly with the BC Cancer Agency, under the directorship of Dr. Marco Marra with bioinformatics support provided by Dr. Steven Jones. Will build on the internationally recognized strengths of the Genome Sequence Centre. A smaller scale sequencing facility at the University of Victoria will be managed by Dr. Ben Koop.

Arrays Will be managed jointly with UBC under the directorship of Dr. Colleen Nelson, in association with Dr. Charles Haynes, and with bioinformatics support provided by Doug Hoffart. Will build on the existing capacity and expertise of the Array Facility within the Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital.

Proteomics Will be managed jointly with the University of Victoria under the directorship of Dr. Bob Olafson. Will build on established client-oriented analytical expertise at the Protein Chemistry Centre.

Genotyping SNP genotyping will be the responsibility of Dr. Angela Brooks-Wilson. A facility based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry will be funded jointly with Xenon Genetics Inc.and be located in space provided by the company.

Bioinformatics Most bioinformatics capabilities will be linked to the platform facilities, especially to sequencing and mapping (Steven Jones) and to the Array Facility (Doug Hoffart). Some specific data analysis needs and programming requirements will be associated with individual large scale projects.

Technology Development Dr. A. Marziali will lead a strong, interdisciplinary Instrument Development Group focused on improving the productivity and cost effectiveness of the platform facilities.

GELS Providing an evidence base for evaluating ethical and legal issues associated with several aspects of genomics, including commercialization, tissue banking, community consultation and conflict of interest. Encouraging the public trust that is critical to sustaining access to materials for genomics research and to supporting open dialogue on appropriate use of genomics technologies.

Training Platform facility personnel will receive on the job training in specific technologies. Training rotations will be held between laboratories collaborating on large-scale projects. Stand-alone technology workshops and clinics will provide theoretical and practical instruction. Bilateral training agreements will be established with other genome centres in order to capture new technology.

Sources of Funding $Million Genome Canada 40.0 British Columbia40.0 Cash from other sources 2.3 In-kind financial support55.1 Total cost over 4 years 137.4

In-Kind Support $Million Equipment and infrastructure19.4 Industry 2.1 Collaborating institutions 5.9 Participating universities, hospitals27.7 –(salaries, benefits and overhead) Total in-kind support55. 1

Genome British Columbia