Researchers share equipment
The future of research is rooted in sharing access to resources. This is why the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “Genetics – Frontiers in Genetics: Genes, Chromosomes and Development" has set up the Genomics Platform at the University of Geneva. By combining resources, Genomics was able to acquire cutting-edge technology which is now available to all gene researchers in the French speaking part of Switzerland.
This is why the NCCR "Genetics " set up the Genomics platform at the University of Geneva. The platform offers researchers in the public and private sector unique opportunities. Due to its success, the Genetics Platform will not end when the NCCR “Genetics” (funding) stops in 2011. The Genetics Platform will continue to offer its services at the University of Geneva to the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Here researchers access a dozen highly specialised pieces of equipment worth over one million Swiss francs, and offering two complementary technologies for examining genes. The DNA microarray enables scientists to identify among thousands of genes, precisely those which are relevant to their research. They then use the second shared technology, a polymerase chain reaction PCR method for more exact analysis. "Thanks to the NCCR, we were able to avoid each institute having to purchase this machine and then using it only sporadically," explains Patrick Descombes, Director of the Genomics Platform. "With a staff of eight, we can conduct first-class work, stay abreast of the latest technologies and update material, which is often impossible for smaller groups."
Analysis techniques are the focus of a project on Hepatitis C, conducted by Patrick Descombes in cooperation with CHUV and the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, which was honoured by Leenaards Prize in 2008. "Some people have a natural immunity against Hepatitis C. To understand which genes are responsible for the disease, we examined samples from thousands of people."
As thousands of genes were involved for each sample, it took almost eight months to build up the database. The statistical analysis is still in progress. The team also conducted a study for CHAVI, one of the most important international research projects on AIDS. The genome of people in which the disease progresses extremely slowly was examined. Once genes are identified, the scientists can explore the corresponding proteins. They hope to find a molecule that reproduces inherent protection from the disease.
Today the equipment is in constant use. "Thanks to automation, the equipment continues working at night as well. Enhanced use of the infrastructure ensures regular revenue from research which will finance maintenance of the equipment."
The NCCR “Genetics” in Geneva also offers an invaluable store of technical knowledge for other researchers, ensuring the transfer of expertise – one of the main goals of the NCCRs. There is no point in acquiring the latest instruments if researchers do not know how to use them. The specialists in Geneva assist other researchers who use the infrastructure.
They offer an advisory service that extends from prototype design to quality assurance of samples and measurements and to the verification of results. "Statistical analysis is complex. Inexperienced researchers take weeks, even months if they have to learn the ropes first. We have the experience required to do the job in a few days." Patrick Descombes's team works with the Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics in Geneva that specializes in the electronic processing of genetic data. The team also ensures that results are fed into international scientific databases.
Patrick Descombes talks about his platform as if it were a business. He devotes all his energies to attracting a host of satisfied, regular customers. His platform is ready to respond and independent – so it can make decisions quickly. The expertise acquired has also made entering into valuable partnerships with industry possible. The platform takes advantage of its favourable situation. It has just tested a new system for a few months that only one other European university possesses.
By combining forces, the NCCR “Genetics” has acquired unique technology that is accessible to a large body of researchers. However, in Patrick Descombes's opinion it would be unwise to create a single structure for the whole of Switzerland. "You must be able to meet the people, talk to them and train them. Even at a time when expertise is increasingly based on technology, geographical proximity remains a crucial factor."