# Microbiomics and Functional Genomics Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $255,112

## Abstract

Summary
Complex interactions between numerous specialized host cells in gut, liver and other locations, polymorphisms
of multiple susceptibility genes and their associated signaling pathways and functions, and a myriad of microbial
and other environmental factors are emerging as central to the pathogenesis of many of the most important
digestive diseases, as exemplified by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD). It is becomingly increasingly evident that more comprehensive views of the players and interactions
are needed to unravel many of the most perplexing digestive diseases. Consequently, tools to characterize and
define multiple host and microbial cells and their gene expression responses are increasingly important and
essential for digestive diseases research. Most advanced among these tools are technologies based on high-
throughput sequencing, as it is now routinely possible to obtain hundreds of millions of base pairs of sequence
at modest costs. Next-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized basic and translational research
in medicine over the last several years, and are in increasing demand in digestive diseases research.
Consequently, we have designed the Microbiomics and Functional Genomics Core to provide advanced
microbiomics and genomics services to Center members, and offer consultation and training in genomics
technologies to enhance the ability of members to implement these technologies in their research. Specifically,
the Core will: 1) Conduct sequencing-based assays for microbiomics and functional genomics; 2) Perform
bioinformatics analyses of sequencing-based assays; 3) Consult and advise in studies involving microbiomics
and functional genomics; and 4) Provide validated experimental protocols and training. The Core leverages
several established institutional shared resources, including the Center for Microbiome Innovation at the
University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the Genomics Center of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at UCSD,
and the UCSD Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. This unique combination and integration of
outstanding existing resources will ensure that Center members have access to cutting-edge technologies for
studies involving microbiomics and functional genomics. The Core will be directed by internationally recognized
experts in microbiomics (Dr. Rob Knight) and functional genomics (Dr. Christopher Glass), and other Core
personnel are highly experienced in microbiome science, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and computational
biology. The Core has established rigorous procedures for quality control and data validation. Together, this
infrastructure and expertise will enable the Microbiomics and Functional Genomics Core to provide a range of
high quality and cost-effective microbiomics and functional genomics services that greatly enhance the ability of
Center members to advance digestive diseases research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9962394
- **Project number:** 5P30DK120515-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** ROB KNIGHT
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $255,112
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9962394

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9962394, Microbiomics and Functional Genomics Core (5P30DK120515-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9962394. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*