Core Units

The Center for Human Genetics is comprised of nine core units to research the structure and function of the human genome.

Cancer Genetics Laboratory - The Cancer Genetics laboratory investigates cellular mechanisms that result in cancer. Emphasis is placed on understanding the causes of cancer so that novel therapeutic interventions can be developed.

Clinical Genetics - Active Clinical Genetics research interests include the study of birth defects, syndrome delineation and provider and public education in the field of genetics.

Molecular Diagnostics - The focus of the Molecular Diagnostics laboratory is translational research and molecular diagnostics. Major areas of research include Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and vertebral malformation.

Neuromuscular Genetics - Using molecular genetic methods, and aided by bioinformatics tools and databases available through the Human Genome Project, the Neuromuscular Genetics laboratory investigates the molecular causes of a selection of neuromuscular diseases so that rational therapies can be developed.

Ophthalmic Genetic Epidemiology - The role of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental factors in the occurrence of eye disease in human populations is the focus of Ophthalmic Genetic Epidemiology.

Personalized Medicine Research Project - The Personalized Medicine Research Project is attempting to translate genetic data into specific knowledge about disease that is clinically relevant and will enhance patient care by helping physicians diagnose genetically influenced problems, prescribe personal preventive measures and select the most effective medications that are least likely to cause adverse reactions.

Pharmacogenetics - Humans exhibit a marked degree of variability in their response to many drugs. Much of this variability can be attributed to underlying genetic differences. Pharmacogenetics is the study of these differences. The types of investigation used in pharmacogenetics range from clinical to molecular.