The University of Chicago - Case Study

The research goals of Carole Ober’s laboratory at the University of Chicago are to identify genetic variants that influence gene expression and epigenetic patterns in tissues relevant to complex phenotypes, especially related to asthma and fertility. The lab uses both freshly isolated cells, as well as tissue and cell culture models of gene-environment interactions to explore context-specific transcriptomic and epigenomic responses. The group of 13 people includes graduate students, postdoctoral students, a computer programmer (and database manager), technicians and research assistants, and a genetic counselor. The group is nearly evenly split between wet (experimental) work and computational/bioinformatic work. The Ober lab has maintained a multi-seat license for iPathwayGuide for over 3 years.