Genomics Core Facility

The mandate of the genomics core facility at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) is to provide cutting-edge genomics services to scientists and clinicians, as well as to academic and clinical collaborators. The facility supports research by clinical departments at Sunnybrook and other major hospitals as they embrace genomic approaches to cancer screening and diagnostics.

The genomics facility is a centralized resource equipped with next-generation instrumentation designed to provide timely support for genomics research and clinical practice. We have extensive experience in innovative genomics research, providing expert services and consultation for whole genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing of cancer genes, as well as quantitative PCR and quantification of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing events using droplet digital PCR technology. We also provide gene expression analysis using NanoString’s nCounter Analysis system for Biomarker validation and Biomarker Development.

Our services require unique expertise and training not routinely available at research hospitals and clinical departments of hospitals. Furthermore, most research groups lack the capital investment provided to the centre.

The facility remains competitive and relevant by continually updating and expanding services and equipment in parallel with keeping up with advances in technology and applications. Few centres have networks that include direct access to both pathologists and academic researchers. For Sunnybrook researchers and clinicians, the genomics facility provides face-to-face consultation and the fastest turnaround time possible.

We also provide opportunities for SRI research fellows, graduate students and residents to gain experience and training. We encourage collaborative opportunities with investigators on research projects and support investigators’ grant applications.

Next-generation DNA and RNA analysis systems:

• Ion Torrent S5XL, Ion Chef and Ion Reporter
• NanoString nCounter FLEX Analysis System 

Nucleic acid quantification systems:

• Droplet digital PCR system
• Real-time PCR system
• Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer
• Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer

Academic director: Arun Seth, PhD
Manager: Yutaka Amemiya, PhD