Genomics Australia represents an alliance of a number of existing genomics service capabilities around Australia combined with the introduction of new platforms for genomic service delivery. GA builds on the existing Major National Research Facility, the Australian Genome Research Facility, a not for profit company which has a state of the art national high throughput genomic service capability. This will be complemented by a regional transcriptomics network and development teams assisting with the implementation of new tools, particularly in the area of epigenomics and microarrays. All infrastructure and expertise funded by NCRIS will be made openly accessible to Australian and international researchers from academia, publicly funded research institutes and the commercial sector.
The Genomics Australia consortium has eight nodes that together provide the following:
- Access to high throughput, state of the art genomics platforms
The Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF) has been awarded the asset infrastructure component of the NCRIS grant to maintain and upgrade platform technologies in sequencing, genotyping/SNP analysis, gene expression/microarrays, plant growth, DNA and RNA extraction and additional new genomic services as the need is identified. AGRF has nodes in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne and offers a comprehensive range of high quality, fully accredited services to the life science research market for small and large scale analysis.
Key areas for initial investment will focus on the next generation DNA sequencing systems which can deliver sequence data at 100 fold faster rates than previous technology.
- Transcriptomics network
Tools for analysis of the transcriptome are vital to interpreting the pattern of gene regulation in each tissue and how a tissue responds to different stimuli. Analysis of expression profiles is being utilised in many facets of biology and service nodes with expertise in particular species or tools for isolation and analysis of RNA have been supported. Experienced technical staff in addition to access to well maintained microarray platforms will be funded by NCRIS. This national network will facilitate ready integration and use of microarray technology throughout the genomics community.
The specific nodes in this initiative are:
- The Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function Analysis, UNSW
- Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland
- WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University
- Method and tool development
NCRIS funding also permits two nodes to focus on enhancing existing technology platforms and assessing their capabilities, as well as optimising methodologies for genome analysis that are not currently part of the repertoire of available services. These advances will be made available to the Australian research community.
The specific nodes in this initiative are: