Four groups based at the University of Glasgow are launching a new venture that will offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for genetic sequencing for clinicians, researchers, industry partners and the NHS.
Glasgow Polyomics, Stratified Medicine Scotland Innovation Centre (SMS-IC), Glasgow University Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Glasgow Precision Oncology Lab (GPOL) have formed the new enterprise, known as Precision Sequencing.
The ability to sequence the human genome quickly and cost-effectively creates “vast potential for new diagnostics and therapies”, as it can uncover information about the role of genetics in susceptibility to disease, how disease progresses, response to treatment, and response to environmental pressures.
Explaining the strategy behind the new venture, Dr Allison Jackson of Glasgow Polyomics: “Bringing these four partners together provides a single, clear point of entry to the sequencing services that the University of Glasgow can provide.”
She went on to say: “Each partner brings something different to the table. SMS-IC focuses on precision medicine, which is all about finding the right medicine for the right person at the right time. The CVR team are experts in sequencing viruses, while GPOL specialise in sequencing the genomes of cancer. Glasgow Polyomics have broad expertise in many types of sequencing, on a wide variety of samples including humans, animals, plants and parasites.”
“This streamlined approach will offer greater opportunities for sharing resources, training and collaboration on research projects and will widen the reach of our genetic sequencing capability,” added Marian McNeil, interim chief operating officer of SMS-IC.
“Next-generation sequencing is a fast-paced area, so bringing these four groups together will also ensure our technicians are up-to-date with the most state-of-the-art sequencing technology.”
According to the group, the sequencing capability on offer at Precision Sequencing will be one of the largest in the UK.
