Center for Genomic MedicineCenter Director: Jeffery M.Vance MD, Ph.D. The CGM consists of three integrated Divisions and one Core Resource. The CGM is the locus for all translational work and also houses the Biorepository. The Biorepository is one of the major core areas serving the HIHG and the University of Miami. It stores biological samples ranging from blood to tissue and fluids. The Biorepository also stores extracted DNA from samples for all of the HIHG research studies, and many of those within the Medical Center. A dedicated team of individuals work strictly in the bank. Significant expertise in informatics and sample handling has been accumulated in the current personnel, and this is one of the strengths of the biorepository. The core director of the Biorepository is Jacob L. McCauley, Ph.D. and Sandra West is the core manager The three integrated Divisions of CGM include the following: A) Division of Family and Patient Ascertainment: The mission of the Patient and Family Ascertainment Division is to create, implement, and evaluate ascertainment methods that will be used by investigators in the HIHG and the larger UM community involved in the study of complex diseases. The Ascertainment Core defines and implements comprehensive clinical protocols that recruit, enroll, and ascertain research participants and families. This core is responsible for ensuring that all ascertainment personnel employed through specific projects are trained in clinical protocols and certified as necessary according to UM standards/policies. Ongoing training and education is also coordinated through the Ascertainment Core. The Phenotyping Laboratory will develop and evaluate new phenotypic measures that can be integrated into ongoing studies of genetic diseases. The Phenotype Laboratory will work closely with investigators within the HIHG as well as expert clinicians throughout the UM community in defining new phenotype methods as well as refining existing methods. A related mission of the Phenotyping Laboratory is to create a core set of phenotypic measures that will be used to characterize control participants across the lifespan. The Ancillary Support Group functions to enhance ascertainment efforts through community outreach, evaluation/monitoring, and medical genetics consultation. B) Division of Pharmacogenetics: Pharmacogenetics is a rapidly growing area describing the interaction of pharmaceuticals and gene variants. It is believed to be one of the primary reasons for lack of efficacy of drugs in certain individuals and side effects. This division is involved in research identifying drugs and facilitating their translation into clinical usage. It will establish a repository of Pharmacogenetic information for the Department of Human Genetics (DHG) internal clinical website, and provide a resource for the various departments to explore potential pharmacogenetic trials and tests. C) Division of Translational Genomics: Division Members: Massimo Morra, MD.,Ph.D., and Derek Dykxhoorn, Ph.D.
D) Division of Clinical Informatics Information coming soon... |