The rise of next generation sequencing (NGS) has opened up new opportunities for translating high-throughput genomics into clinical practice. In 2011, the DKFZ has established the Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology (DKFZ-HIPO), which offers a program for personalized oncology with the aim to translate latest research and technologies from the “omics” fields (genomics, transcriptomics, etc.) and systems biology/medicine into clinical practice.
The center integrates the following three areas of expertise:
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HIPOgen – Genome Analysis (Peter Lichter),
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HIPOsys – Computational Biology (Benedikt Brors and Roland Eils),
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HIPOmed – Precision Oncology (Stefan Fröhling and Christof von Kalle).
The structure of DKFZ-HIPO
During the last years the center developed the infrastructure and workflows that allow for sample processing, DNA/RNA sequencing, data management and bioinformatics analyses in DKFZ-HIPO funded projects from researchers of the DKFZ in collaboration with clinical partners. The following DKFZ technology platforms partner up in the DKFZ-HIPO workflow: Sample Processing Laboratory (SPL), CHromatin And RNA Methods (CHARM) Laboratory, Single Cell Open Lab (scOpen Lab), the High-Throughput Sequencing and Microarray Units of the DKFZ Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility (DKFZ-GPCF), the Omics IT and Data Management Core Facility (DKFZ-ODCF) as well as bioinformatics teams. In addition, the sample acquisition processes involve the Pathology Department and the NCT Liquid Bank.