About the BCM-HGSC
The Human Genome Project
The Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center (BCM-HGSC) was established in 1996 to undertake sequencing of the Human Genome as part of the Human Genome Project (HGP). The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) designated Baylor College of Medicine as one of six pilot programs for the final phases of the program, then in 1999, the HGSC was chosen as one of three National Institutes of Health (NIH) sites from the pilot program to complete the HGP.
In June 2000, together the NIH groups, with scientists from the Department of Energy and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Center in the UK, the draft of the human genome was announced at a ceremony in the White House. Work continued and in April 2003, the Human Genome Project Consortium announced the essential completion of a high-quality human DNA reference. The HGSC contributed approximately 10% of the final sequence, including that of chromosomes 3, 12, and part of X.
Current Research Focus
The HGSC mission of "Translation of genomics-based approaches to guide discovery and diagnosis for human disease" is manifest in (i) the development of new technologies, (ii) application of new methods towards discovery of genes and processes underlying human disease and (iii) translation of genomics-based approaches into clinical medicine, to enable the "virtuous cycle" of discovery, learning and improved clinical care.
Within this mission the HGSC has a focus on both rare and common disease. In childhood disease, we are studying the full range of Mendelian conditions and expanding the knowledge of the kinds of genetic variation that can lead to disease, examples of phenotypic expansion and the fundamental molecular biology that can lead to treatment solutions. In adult disease, we focus on cardiovascular disease (CVD), neurodegeneration and cancer predisposition – all major causes of adult death with strong heritable components. Understanding the genetic architecture of these disorders is the key to identifying gene changes that directly cause the diseases in order to direct therapeutic strategies. This pathway from "bench to bedside" is the foundation of the new national initiative in Precision Medicine.
To support our mission, the HGSC launched the HGSC Clinical Lab (HGSC-CL), which supports large-scale sequencing and genomics projects. With its sophisticated informatics core and pipeline and state-of-the-art technology development core, the CAP accredited/CLIA certified HGSC-CL can deliver clinical test data for collaborating physicians to offer a return of results to their patients.
BCM-HGSC Today
Today the BCM-HGSC employs more than 70 staff and occupies more than 36,000 square feet on the top three floors of the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Building. The BCM-HGSC is located on the southwest edge of downtown Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex.