Genome Institute: Genome Research Areas
Cancer Genomics
A major goal of The Genome Institute is to advance the emerging field of cancer genomics. In 2008, The Genome Institute became the first to sequence the complete genome of a cancer patient — a woman with leukemia — and to trace her disease to its genetic roots. The Genome Institute has since sequenced the genomes of many cancer patients including those with breast, lung, ovarian and brain tumors. The Genome Institute has also initiated a major landmark project with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to sequence the genomes of several hundred pediatric cancer patients.
Human Genetics
The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2000 was just the beginning of the search to understand our own genetic underpinnings. Since that time, researchers, including those at The Genome Institute, have continued to scrutinize the human genome in many ways — from describing the structure and function of our sex chromosomes (X,Y) to deciphering the immense variation present among human populations.
Human Microbiome and Metagenomics
The human microbiome is the collection of millions of microbes that colonize the human body. The Genome Institute is applying the next generation of sequencing technology to analyze the genomes of these organisms, characterize the communities they form and measure how communities change in different health and disease states.
Pathogen Genomics and Global Health
The Genome Institute is sequencing and analyzing the genomes of various pathogens in order to understand and help develop treatment for diseases that affect populations around the world. Such diseases and their associated pathogens have a major impact on human health and applying genomic tools to the study of these organisms has the potential to improve existing global health inequities.
Center Initiated Projects
Center Initiated Projects (CIPs) are proposed by The Genome Institute to help fulfill the mission and strategic vision of the NHGRI and NIH. All CIP data will be released in a timely manner via appropriate databases in accordance with NHGRI and NIH guidelines.
