Genomic Medicine

The genomic medicine pillar focuses on basic research into the genetic components that shape disease development and individual response to therapeutic interventions. Those leading and working in genomic medicine aim to dramatically increase the number of identified genetic markers that contribute to disease development and individual response to treatments, as well as enhance the use of genomic knowledge by tailoring medical management to the individual characteristics of each patient.

Implementation of comprehensive genetic testing for diagnostics and treatment

The program for comprehensive genetic testing aims to rapidly utilize findings of genetic markers from basic research, as well as improve infrastructure for comprehensive genetic testing, making it more accessible to clinicians, especially in the domains of cancer genomics, pharmacogenomics, and neurogenetics.

Data Science in Genomics Research

The Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, and the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science are focused on attracting and educating data science master students in genomics research. This effort has an emphasis on supporting students from underserved populations.

Pharmacogenomics

The pharmacogenomics program—embedded within the genomics medicine pillar—focuses on one of the leading scientific areas of precision health, identifying genetic markers that help predict which medicines are most likely to work well for each individual patient, and just as importantly, which patients are most likely to experience side effects. Having made substantial progress in implementing clinical testing, IU School of Medicine researchers are now evaluating patient understanding of pharmacogenomics results returned to them.

Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic

The Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Clinic serves patients who have a high likelihood of having a rare undiagnosed disease based on a genetic cause. The clinic and its complementary research program is focused mainly on pediatrics, but patients may be any age, from newborns to those with adult-onset disorders. A multidisciplinary team called the genome board includes clinical providers, laboratorians and researchers who review the cases and initial genomics reports, as well as analyze RNA and conduct biochemical analyses, to help determine if an underlying genetic cause of the patient’s symptoms can be found.

NORD Rare Disease Center of Excellence

Gene editing core operation

The Indiana University Genome Editing Center at Indiana University School of Medicine is an institutionally subsidized, shared resource whose mission is to provide Indiana University and external investigators access to state-of-the-art genome editing technologies by assisting with the generation of genetically modified organisms in a time and cost-effective manner. The center exploits various technologies, including CRISPR-based genome editing systems, conventional gene targeting in embryonic stem cells and transgenesis, to engineer genetically modified transformed cell lines, stem cells, and animal models that will help identify and validate novel therapeutic targets, accelerate translational research, and advance precision medicine.