Investigation of genetic networks underlying disease phenotypes requires holistic approaches for the analysis of DNA (genome), chromatin (epigenome), RNA (transcriptome) and proteins (proteome).

Transcriptome analysis are successfully performed using one of the many available microarray platforms, which are currently available at the Campus.

The technological approaches for the global analyses of the genome and the epigenome (Genome and Epigenome Analyses) have been revolutioned by the introduction, in 2004, of the so-called “next-generation sequencing” approaches.  These technologies produce millions of DNA sequence reads in a single run and are bringing genetics into a new era, whereby complex phenotypes can be reduced into defined genotypes and “epi-genotypes”. The final attainment of this goal needs re-sequencing of thousands of genomes, a task that is prevented by the yet too high cost of the next-generation sequencing technology (about half million Euros per one genome). A next-generation sequencing platform is available at the Campus.

Proteome analysis Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is indispensable for the quantitative study of protein-protein interactions on a small and proteome-wide scale, protein mapping of organelles, characterization of post-translational modifications, acquisition of protein catalogues for different cellular states, tissues or organisms. The needed  technologies are available at the Campus.

All the Genomic Screening facilities already present in the Campus will be accessible for the needs of the scientific programs of the “ISI-GenOmics - Center of Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM”. The Genomic Technologies Unit of the “ISI-GenOmics - Center of Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM” will be mainly centered on the improvement and set-up of next-generation and next-next-generation sequencing technologies, particularly for the needs of the “Environmental Cancer Risk Assessment project”.