An integrative computational and experimental system for interpreting genomic variation

Revealing the DNA blueprint of an organism through genome sequencing is commonplace in many fields, spanning agriculture, ecology, industry, medicine and basic science. Yet a fundamental Grand Challenge is interpreting genome sequences to predict how differences in an individual’s genome relate to differences in appearance, behavior, disease susceptibility, and other phenotypes.

This project will tackle this Challenge by combining UW’s unique strengths in data science; computational network inference; statistical, biochemical and evolutionary genomics; and high-throughput screening applied to human genomics. The project will develop an integrated computational and experimental system that will accelerate identification and investigation of causal genetic variants from patient-specific genomes and the pathways and phenotypes they link to. Through partnership with Wisconsin-based genetic testing company PreventionGenetics, the project team will apply the system to several human genetic disorders. The group’s vision is to adapt methods to predict genotype phenotype relationships in any organism, propelling UW–Madison in this field.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Audrey Gasch, professor of genetics and director of the Center for Genomic Science Innovation

 

CO-PRINCIAL INVESTIGATOR

Mark Craven, professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

 

CO-INVESTIGATORS

Colin Dewey, professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Greg Fischer, fellow of pediatrics

Anthony Gitter, assistant professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Sunduz Keles, professor of biostatistics and medical informatics and statistics

Christina Kendziorski, professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Qiongshi Lu, assistant professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Nicole Perna, professor of genetics

Vatsan Raman, assistant professor of biochemistry

Phil Romero, assistant professor of biochemistry

Sushmita Roy, associate professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Robert Steiner, clinical professor of pediatrics

Daifeng Wang, assistant professor of biostatistics and medical informatics

Donna Werling, assistant professor of genetics