Facilities
VANTAGE (Vanderbilt Technologies for Advanced Genomics) provides Vanderbilt researchers with guided
access to a diverse and comprehensive set of genomics workflows, including next generation sequencing,
gene expression, bio-banking and genotyping. Occupying 12,500 square feet of newly renovated lab space,
VANTAGE is supported by over $9M of federal and institutional funding. Dr. Simon Mallal serves as the
Scientific Director of VANTAGE. A pioneer in single cell genomics, Dr. Mallal has been instrumental in
broadening VANTAGE’s NGS capacity. Dr. Mallal’s automation expertise combined with Associate Director Dr.
Tom Stricker’s extensive experience in cancer genomics and NGS techniques, will make VANTAGE a leader
in cutting edge Genomic Research. The staff and managers of VANTAGE have contributed data and analysis
to hundreds of successful genomics experiments, manuscripts, and grant applications. A noteworthy example
is production of 24 billion genotypes within a single year for the growing institutional bio-bank repository of
DNA (BioVU).
Sequencing and Expression services of VANTAGE are overseen by Dr. Olivia Koues, who has more
than ten years of molecular biology experience with the last six years focusing almost exclusively on highthroughput analyses. Project consultation, library preparation, sequencing data generation, data
management, and primary data analysis are provided by Dr. Koues and experienced staff members.
VANTAGE employs Beckman Biomek and Caliper Sciclone robotic workstations in a well-equipped lab to
conduct all phases of library preparation and quality control testing. An Illumina HiSeq 3000, a NextSeq
500 and two MiSeqv2’s provide high sequencing capacity and rapid turnaround time. VANTAGE users also
have access to a full range of experimental approaches, including NGS and NanoString platforms, for gene
expression studies down to the single-cell level. As with all VANTAGE service lines, the NGS and
expression services provide 24/7 sample drop off facilities and a modern LIMS for project submission, data
delivery, and billing. Vanderbilt institutional assets for data management (Blue Arc) and data analysis
(ACCRE) are backstopped by substantial VANTAGE and VANGARD computer resources.
Bio-banking and Genotyping services of VANTAGE are overseen by Cara Sutcliffe, M.S., who has more
than twenty years of experience in nucleic acid extraction, low- to high-throughput genotyping, quantitative
real-time PCR, cell line transformation, bio-banking, and shared resource management. These services are
provided by an experienced staff of technicians. The BioVU DNA Repository (Vanderbilt bio-bank) is
operated by and housed within VANTAGE. The Bio-bank workflow is automated, from whole blood
extraction, to sample banking and subsequent pulls for robotic plating, with an integrated LIMS and sample
database. The three ton RTS SmaRTStore automated retrieval and storage system is supported by
enhanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructures to ensure that pressure and humidity of
compressed air, network connections, and correct electrical reach and delivery paths are provided.
Security and accessibility to the robot room is limited to appropriate staff, who enter only through card
swipe access points. VANTAGE users have access to a full range of experimental approaches for low- to
high-throughput genotyping assays, including the Illumina array-based platform. Advanced robotics from
Tecan, Caliper, Beckman Coulter, and Perkin Elmer support workflows for sample QC and labeling,
hybridization, and data collection in our state-of-the-art lab.
VANGARD (Vanderbilt Technologies for Advanced Genomics Analysis and Research Design) is a newly
consolidated core with administrative oversight from the Office of Research and scientific and technical
direction provided by the Vanderbilt Center for Quantitative Sciences. The mission of VANGARD is to
consolidate the genomics data pipeline across the university and allow investigators to leverage the
opportunities provided by next-generation sequencing and state-of-the-art genomics technologies. Offices,
conference room, storage space, and computational space are located primarily on the 5th floor of the Preston
Building within the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Dr. Yu Shyr serves as the director of VANGARD, and he
maintains close communication with the leadership of VANTAGE to ensure seamless service delivery for
genomic research. VANGARD operates in conjunction with VANTAGE, providing experimental design, quality
assessment of data, quantitative genomic data analysis and results interpretation, and data storage.
VANGARD also provides biostatistical and bioinformatic support for all genomic experiments that utilize BioVU
specimens.