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The Laboratory for Clinical Genomics (LCG) is a CLIA certified laboratory and a shared resource facility sponsored by the Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine (LGM).  We provide Washington University (WU) investigators and their collaborators access to genomic platforms for biospecimen research.  The LCG is particularly suited to performing assays in the context of clinical trials and biomedical translational research.  Our ultimate goal is to facilitate the transition of translational discoveries into validated clinical tests for routine patient management.

Technology platforms and assays currently supported include:

• Affymetrix GeneChip gene expression microarrays (standard and custom arrays for multiple organisms).
   
• Affymetrix GeneChip SNP genotyping microarrays (standard arrays for genotyping and copy number analysis).
   
• ABI capillary gel electrophoresis for SNP discovery and gene resequencing.
   
• ABI real-time PCR for quantitative PCR and RT-PCR analysis.

• Targeted molecular and diagnostic assays
   

The LCG houses a number of specific Core Facilities for funded research efforts, and each of these has their own specific set of policies as described below:

• Siteman Cancer Center Molecular Genomic Analysis (MGA) Core.
  NCI P30CA91842
  The MGA Core is available to all WU investigators, but provides Siteman Cancer Center members with preferred access and subsidized funding to perform gene expression, genotyping, and gene copy number assays using Affymetrix GeneChip technology. Validated protocols for utilizing amplified DNA and RNA for microarray hybridization allow for analysis of clinical specimens in limiting quantities (e.g. laser capture microdissected tissue, needle aspirate specimens, flow sorted cell populations).
   
• Neuroscience Blueprint Genomics (NBG) Core.
  NIH P30NS057105
  The NBG Core is available to the WU neuroscience community and provides preferred access and subsidized funding to Affymetrix GeneChip and ABI capillary sequencing technologies.
   
• Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) Molecular Phenotyping Core.
  The Molecular Phenotyping Core is available to all WU investigators, but provides Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) investigators with preferred access and subsidized funding to perform gene expression, genotyping, and gene copy number assays using Affymetrix GeneChip technology and ABI capillary sequencing technology. The MP Core further supports the seamless integration of biospecimen and molecular analysis data to enable cross-platform comparisons and correlative clinical trials.
   
• LCG sequencing facility provides capillary electrophoresis based nucleic acid sequencing to all WU investigators to support clinicogenomic studies. Services include initial project consultation, primer design and validation, specimen preparation, sequencing, and reporting, all on a fee-for-service basis.
   

The LCG interacts directly with the Laboratory for Translational Pathology (LTP) for initial biospecimen receipt, processing, and tracking, and the Biomedical Informatics Facility where microarray and sequencing data is stored.