Genomics Sequencing Center ensemble supports top-performing research

Imagine if there were Oscars given out in the world of academia, specifically for those unsung heroes behind the scenes that advance the progress of research.

In this scenario, the winning name in the envelope could be the Genomics Sequencing Center for best supporting role in research by a group.

As part of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute’s core research facilities, the Genomics Sequencing Center is a full-service sequencing center that provides rapid and cost effective genomic data collection. Located in Steger Hall, the center offers a range of quality control equipment to determine the integrity and concentration of user samples. 

“We are here to support our faculty’s research goals,” said Megan Naff, a laboratory manager who has worked for the last 14 years in the center. During this time, Naff has witnessed sweeping changes in technology. 

“We are producing exponentially more data in a shorter amount of time,” Naff said. “We are also seeing the applications of sequencing expanding into numerous other disciplines.”

Currently, the Genomics Sequencing Center’s application of different sequencing technologies span a variety of departments, disciplines, and applications, including human health, plant science, animal health, entomology, and engineering. And it maintains an eye for expanding into new disciplines.

As a small but mighty group, the team is made up of four highly skilled molecular biologists who work with the latest in next generation sequencing technology. 

“We specialize in customizing projects to meet the needs of the investigators on campus,” Naff said.

As a director may do on a set, Naff starts each day with a morning meeting to discuss the current projects and how team members can best work together, while also sticking to their own scripts. 

Meet the cast

One of the three services offered by the center is next generation sequencing led by Jenny Jenrette and Riley Leathem. Together, they process DNA and RNA samples to generate whole genome DNA, transcriptome, and amplicon sequences, the latter being a highly targeted approach that enables researchers to analyze genetic variation in specific genomic regions.

Their sequencing handiwork was instrumental in advancing graduate student Blake Caldwell’s discovery of a DNA shift in the innate immune memory of cells, which may aid in the fight against one of humans’ most deadly foes — sepsis. Caldwell’s breakthrough was recently published in the Cell Reports journal.

As an undergraduate student, Leathem started working for the center part time and was hired full time after graduating in May 2023. She said she enjoys working with researchers to provide a custom experience and achieve the best results. 

“Because we personalize projects, we are able to work very closely with each customer,” Leathem said. “This offers an opportunity for graduate students to ask questions and receive guidance.” 

This interface also affords graduate students the opportunity to gain further insight into their specifical project and goals. Jenrette said this audience is where their work has the greatest impact with respect to training students on everything from DNA and RNA extraction methods to quality control analysis of input and output.

While their name may not be in lights or on the marquee, the center’s staff takes great pride in their contributions to advancing  research. As one recent example, Jenrette has worked with Emmanuel Frimpong and Eric Hallerman in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation to sequence the gut contents of three local minnow species.

Lights, camera, analysis

Two other services provided by the Genomics Sequencing Center are Sanger sequencing and quality control services, both of which are under the direction of Kris Lee. Lee has worked in the center for 20 years and at Virginia Tech for 36 years. 

Sanger sequencing, in its basic form, is a method that yields information about the identity and order of the four nucleotide bases in a segment of DNA. It is typically used for smaller scale projects and for validation of NextGeneration Sequencing results. 

As far as daily output, Lee receives, runs, and processes samples received by both Virginia Tech investigators and external entities. After the Sanger samples have been set up, she processes any requested RNA or DNA quality control assays, which is the process of analyzing a substance to determine its composition or quality.

During fiscal year 2023, close to 15,500 samples were run, supporting 110 Virginia Tech investigators and external customers. 

Lee knows that as a cost-recovery lab, it is difficult for the Genomics Sequencing Center to compete with commercial providers who also offer Sanger sequencing services. 

“I believe that offering better personal service is important in keeping our research happy,” Lee said.

More information can be found on the Genomics Sequencing Center website.