Illumina NovaSeq X Sequencing System - Project Summary This grant application requests funds to acquire an Illumina NovaSeq X Sequencing System to support teams of well-funded biomedical researchers who are experienced in high throughout sequencing approach to conduct genomic analysis at the University of Texas Health at San Antonio (UTHSA). This instrument will be housed in the Genome Sequencing Facility (GSF) at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), a campus-wide shared core facility operated by a team of well-trained and experienced staff and bioinformaticians specializing in sequencing and genomics technologies. Since its inception in 2011, the GSF, with a variety of high-throughput sequencing and genomic instruments, has become a critical component for genomic research and collaborations within UTHSA and across San Antonio region. Currently, high throughput sequencing is conducted on one Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and one NextSeq 2000 at GSF, and there are no other accessible NGS platforms within UTHSA or the surrounding San Antonio institutions. A wide array of basic, translational, clinical, and genomics studies at UTHSA depend on reliable access to a high-capacity, cost-effective sequencing platform supported by integrated bioinformatics analysis. The requested NovaSeq X Sequencing System will meet these requirements, thus enabling the GSF to provide cost effective, high-quality sequencing data to support NIH-funded biomedical research, benefiting 15 Major Users and 21 Other Users whose projects are in areas such as cancer, aging, pain management, immunology, diabetes, infectious disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, as outlined in this proposal. Our history and future planning demonstrate UTHSA’s strong commitment to advancing genomics research, fully supporting this grant application by providing the necessary resources for GSF's operation. Additionally, the new NovaSeq X System will enhance training opportunities for pre- and post-doctoral fellows, physicians, and young scientists, fostering excellence in genomics research and bioinformatics innovations at UTHSA and South Texas region. Thus, acquiring an Illumina NovaSeq X Sequencing System will significantly enhance the institution’s sequencing capacity, accelerate NIH-funded investigations, strengthen collaborative research, and contribute to improving health outcomes—particularly for the predominantly Hispanic population in South Texas.
