World-class genomics system acquired for Australia

The University of Melbourne and the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF) have jointly acquired the Chromium System from US biotech company 10x Genomics.

Using a microfluidics-based molecular barcoding solution, Chromium is said to allow researchers to sequence DNA at much higher resolution from clinical samples and probe the activity of individual cancer cells. Australian scientists plan on deploying the powerful genomic technology towards research that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The University of Melbourne’s Professor Sean Grimmond has been instrumental in the acquisition of the platform, spearheading efforts to ensure that the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is able to access such world-leading technology for the purposes of cancer discovery and developing genomic pathology.

“This technology marks a key step towards improving treatment selection for cancer patients using genome analysis in the VCCC and Victoria,” said Professor Grimmond. “It also provides unprecedented opportunities for innovation in cancer research.”

There is currently a roadblock in advancing trials of genome-directed therapies and personalised medicine due to the inability to perform accurate, deep whole-genome analysis on small amounts of biopsy material. The Chromium system is said to support continued innovation in whole genome and large-scale sequencing technology that is crucial to improvements in understanding the root causes and the potential therapeutic avenues arising in complex, rare and recalcitrant tumours.

“This system delivers on the mission of AGRF to support Australian researchers and enable world-class genomic science,” said Dr Kirby Siemering, director of genomics innovation at AGRF. “Importantly, this acquisition marks the beginning of an expanded collaborative relationship with researchers to acquire, test and develop new and disruptive technologies that are crucial to maintaining Australia’s place at the forefront of medical research and patient care.”