Advancing Cancer Research Through Next Generation Sequencing at Mays Cancer Center of UT Health San Antonio

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Project Summary This Research Specialist (Core-based Scientist) R50 application seeks support for Dr. Zhao Lai, Director of the Next-Generation Sequencing Shared Resource (NGSSR) in the NCI-designated Mays Cancer Center (MCC; Ruben Mesa, PI) at the University of Texas Health San Antonio (UTHSA). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is one of the most significant technological advances in cancer genome research. Dr. Lai’s mission through the NGSSR is to provide the cutting-edge genomics technology to the cancer community of MCC. The NGSSR began in 2011 as a core facility with a focus on genomics of pediatric cancer research. Dr. Lai was recruited as a highly qualified genomics scientist to lead the NGS facility. In 2014, the core was integrated into the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) as a Shared Resource. As the NGSSR Director since its inception, Dr. Lai has guided the development of every aspect of this highly regarded Shared Resource (scored “Outstanding” in the successful CCSG renewal in 2020). She has developed and executed strategic plans for technology assessment and implementation, trained and supervised staff scientists, and created all standard operating procedures. Dr. Lai has secured two NIH S10 Shared Instrumentation grants to significantly enhance the genomic infrastructure at UTHSA, continuously established new protocols to expand NGS services to support diverse cancer research applications. She continues to assist investigators NGS projects ranging from experimental design through subsequent interpretation of experimental results, and establishes the extensive collaboration to develop integrative assays and customized protocols that contribute to the long-term success of the MCC’s research program. Under her scientific leadership, the NGSSR has quickly become an essential component in the MCC and fundamentally transformed the genomics research environment for its members. Since 2011, the NGSSR’s Cancer Center users have nearly quadrupled. Currently, the NGSSR supports >42 Cancer Center members and 18 NCI-funded research projects. Dr. Lai’s knowledge of NGS technology and her key intellectual contribution to NGS applications in many NCI-funded research projects have been widely recognized (see Letters of Support), with the NGSSR’s contributions to over 100 publications, many in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. This proposed R50 award will provide a more stable financial basis for the NGS facility, further concentrate Dr. Lai’s efforts on cancer-oriented methodology development, application innovation, and service improvement, and offer her more opportunities in career development in cancer genomics. This award will also allow the NGSSR to continue providing cutting-edge sequencing technology, services, education, and training to MCC cancer research community to provide better care for the unique Hispanic population in our catchment area.