DIABETES GENOMICS AND ANALYSIS CORE (DGAC): PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The SDRC Diabetes Genomics and Analysis Core (DGAC) supports the genomic research of SDRC investigators through access to next-generation sequencing and modern bioinformatics analysis. Nucleotide sequencing has become essential for formulating and resolving crucial biological questions in many contexts, like diabetes. This includes determining the underlying causes of human diseases to monitoring gene expression, elucidating regulatory networks and exploring organismal diversity that may impact human health, like human microbiomes. Researchers use this technology increasingly for an ever-broadening range of applications to detect and characterize nucleic acid molecules (RNA and DNA). The overall goal of the DGAC is to provide SDRC investigators with a next-generation sequencing facility composed of state-of-the-art laboratory, computational facilities and engaged bio-informatics support. The DGAC is committed to providing SDRC laboratories with the expertise and technical support necessary to realize the potential of next- generation sequencing in a cost-effective manner regardless of their existing expertise in genomics. This includes active evolution of core services, like the development of the wildly popular bio-informatics ‘Office Hours’ and consulting services: thus, the DGAC helps SDRC members from ‘start to finish’ with their genomics-based experiments. We will continue to offer a complete package of services ranging from study design consultation, library preparation services, access to sequencing technologies, and analysis and interpretation of sequencing data. SDRC laboratories can leverage the technologies and expertise of the DGAC to overcome cost-prohibitive barriers of entry into genomics. Based on the strengths of the DGAC and its contributions, the specific aims are to provide SDRC core users guidance with design of their next- generation sequencing projects, access to a broad range of nucleotide library preparation services, access to sequencing services with modern sequencing technologies, and support with data analysis and interpretation of their sequencing projects. The proven strengths of the DGAC in these techniques will continue to provide investigators with a unique opportunity to effectively apply powerful research approaches that would be prohibitively difficult for individual laboratories to develop. The DGAC serves as an invaluable resource for the SDRC, providing investigators with the next-generation sequencing expertise and training necessary to examine the genome at a level of access and subsidized cost for SDRC members that is not achievable at Stanford without this core. The DGAC will also serve SDRC members at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, including those supported through the proposed Regional Pilot & Feasibility Award expansion. Based on growth of the SDRC membership, evolution of exciting new technologies, and increasing membership demand for b...