UCLH and UCL researchers can now make use of a new genomics unit to develop investigations into infectious disease.
The Pathogen Genomics Unit (PGU) allows researchers to sequence direct from clinical samples, using an emerging technology with limited availability in the UK.
The PGU, funded by the BRC and the Medical Research Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, offers an automated service for generating whole pathogen genome sequences and human exome sequences. Researchers will be able to select from a menu of services offered by the PGU, including the generation of sequencing libraries and bioinformatics support.
Currently there are two sequencing systems (MiSeq and Nexseq) within the Division of Infection and Immunity in the Cruciform building at 90 Gower Street; and one (MiSeq) within UCLH Virology at 307 Euston Road.
The PGU has the capacity to generate genomes from bacterial isolates and amplicons from viruses. The unit is also able to provide a sample in/data out service for RNA sequencing to support transcriptomic studies.
The UCLPartners Pathogen Biobank has established an ethical framework for the use of residual diagnostic samples for infection related research. This framework covers all UCLP hospitals, and is run jointly with the Health Services Laboratory.
For more information about the PGU contact Dr Rachel Williams Rachel.williams@ucl.ac.uk or Dr Bridget Ferns r.ferns@ucl.ac.uk.
