Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
What the facility does

Implements genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, metagenomics and bioinformatics to support life sciences research with a focus on cancer.

Areas of expertise

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer has world-renowned expertise in genomics research combined with innovative and internationally-recognized bioinformatic capabilities. Our mandate is to advance the knowledge of cancer and other diseases, to improve human health through disease prevention, to develop diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and to realize the social and economic benefits of genomics research. To accomplish this, our scientists use cutting-edge sequencing platforms and computing tools to collect, mine and analyze genomics data. Within our state-of-the-art facility, we make use of the technological advances for the processing of complex and valuable biological samples.

The GSC is unique in that it fosters close collaborations between scientists and clinicians, allowing for a focus on direct translational research. Through the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program, the GSC deploys sequencing technology to influence therapeutic and management strategies for cancer patients in real time. The GSC is also home to the Centre for Clinical Genomics, which is accredited through the College of American Pathologists to perform clinical genomic testing. The GSC further lends its expertise to other health-related and environmental applications.  

Research services
  • Nucleic acid extraction and library construction services including FFPE genome, PCR-free genome, low input DNA, bisulphite, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), mRNA (strand specific), ribodepletion, miRNA, TCR/BCR, exome and custom capture and 16S/ITS.
  • Sequencing services include whole genome, whole transcriptome (ribosomal depleted, or polyA RNA), epigenome, ChIP, exome capture (exons only, or UTR included), miRNA, long reads and linked reads.
  • Bioinformatics services include somatic analysis, cancer immunogenetics, epigenetic analysis, structural variant analysis, expression analysis, germline analysis and genome assembly.
Sectors of application
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
  • Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)

Specialized lab

Equipment

Function

DNA Sequencing

Illumina HiSeq X

DNA and RNA sequencing

DNA Sequencing

Illumina HiSeq2500

DNA and RNA sequencing

DNA Sequencing

Illumina NextSeq500

DNA and RNA sequencing

DNA Sequencing

Illumina MiSeq

DNA and RNA sequencing

DNA Sequencing

Oxford Nanopore MinION

DNA and RNA sequencing

DNA Sequencing

Oxford Nanopore PromethION

DNA and RNA sequencing

Data analysis and management

Data Storage: >14PB

Data Processing: >25,000 cluster cores

Server 

  • BC Cancer
  • BC Centre for Disease Control
  • The Hospital for Sick Children
  • Leidos Inc.
  • Coastal Genomics Inc.
  • Terry Fox Research Institute
  • The National Cancer Institute
  • CanSeq150
  • CGEn

Title

URL

The Personalized Oncogenomics Program

https://www.personalizedoncogenomics.org/

Centre for Clinical Genomics

http://www.ccgenomics.ca/