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Genomics Analysis Core FAQs

What is the Genomic Analysis Core (GAC)?

The GAC is a shared resource which provides data analysis support for all high throughput genomic platforms, including RNA Seq, Whole Genome Seq, and Whole Exome Seq, ATAC Seqsingle cell RNA Seq and integrative analysis.

The GAC also participates in bioinformatics workshops and provides support for team science projects which has significant genomics component.

Who is the contact person?

For analysis requests and questions, please email Uma Chandran at chandran@pitt.edu or call at 412-648-9326.

Do you work with Genomics Research Core (GRC), UPMC Genome Center (UGC), HSLS, CRC, and PSC?

We work closely with the GRC, HSLS, CRC, and PSC in data analysis, education, training, and high-performance research computing for data storage and computing.

Do you support cancer genomics studies?

The GAC supports non-cancer studies.  The Cancer Bioinformatics Services  (CBS), a Hillman shared resource which Dr. Chandran co-directs supports cancer studies,  Please contact Uma Chandran for your cancer data analysis needs.

Do you provide computing and storage for Next Gen Sequencing (NGS) analysis?

We do not provide storage media for NGS data. It is up to each investigator to purchase hard drives and store their data. However, we will store data temporarily during analysis.

For computing and storage, please refer to CRC’s user guide.

Do you teach programming?

The GAC participates in bioinformatics workshops in collaboration with the CRC. However, the GAC does not teach semester long programming courses. There are several departments including DBMI, Systems and Computational Biology, Biostatistics and Human Genetics which offer bioinformatics courses. In addition, the School of Computer and Information Systems offers a data science curriculum.

Is cost of bioinformatics included with sequencing?

The sequencing shared resources and the GAC are independent shared resources. Bioinformatics costs are not included bundled with sequencing. Budget for bioinformatics - after consultation with GAC - should be included prior to initiation of project.

What is the cost of bioinformatics analysis?

Please see the section on pricing.

What is the turnaround time for analysis?

Due to the demand for bioinformatics analysis by the GAC, please contact the GAC at least three months prior to anticipated availability of data. If you are utilizing the GRC for sequencing, please contact the GAC during initial consultation with the GRC so that your project is in the queue for analysis and so that the GAC can plan analyst’s time and effort allocation when the data become available.

For grant submissions and budgeting, please contact Dr. Chandran to develop a budget commensurate with anticipated effort for future projects. Upon request, the GAC will provide a Letter of Support for grant submissions.