You might call the Feinstone Center for Genomic Research the gift that keeps on giving.
W. Harry Feinstone, after a life-long career dedicated to research and development and tenure as The University of Memphis' original bio-medical research professor from 1976-93, bestowed a number of million dollar endowments toward a center for genomic research.
According to Thomas Sutter, director, professor and Feinstone chair of excellence in functional genomics, the center provides a home for interdisciplinary molecular-biological research, combining areas of functional and computational genomics.
Sutter said the center is "a stepping stone" for high-tech equipment, collaborative research and continuous feedback into The University and scientific communities as a whole.
Structural genomics is a new field which has grown in response to the vast discoveries in genomic data.
Assistant professor of chemistry Abby Parrill is responsible for the computational conversion of genomic information. She said one goal of genetic research is to further our understanding of disease development, maturity and cure with the help of genetic information.
With state-of-the-art DNA sequencers, it's possible to view the entire human genome and observe differences between people. These polymorphisms can then be associated with various diseases.
Sutter pointed to the interaction of genes and environment in the causation of cancer.
"It's possible to associate genes with carcinogen development," Sutter said.
Technology can then be used to make predictions about the behavior of pharmaceuticals.
The multi-lab facility, located in the life sciences building, is currently under construction, but within a year or so, all programs and labs should be finalized.
The center will house advanced gene-chip microray technology which can shorten the process of gene analysis by years.
According to Sutter, thousands of genes can be examined in a single sample -- taking maybe a month -- whereas such research may have taken as long as three years before.
"We are the first in this city to develop microray," said Sutter. "We're a contributor and a player to high technology. There is so much growth potential. I envision Memphis as a new bio-technical corridor."
Giri Narasimhan, associate professor of mathematical sciences, recognizes the huge impact the center can have on the growing local market.
"Any efforts toward interdisciplinary research will have a huge impact," Narasimhan said. "Our programs will feed into cutting edge efforts."
The center will provide means for scientists from a wide range of disciplines to interact and discuss scientific initiatives, thus producing a collaborative research effort, Parrill said.
"I see the center as promoting stronger ties between The University of Memphis and the bio-medical institutions (at) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee, Memphis," Parrill said.
According to Sutter, it is the recognition from other major institutions that can make the center better for training highly competent people.
"It's a self-fulfilling process that makes us go a long way," Sutter said.
From a University perspective, this multidisciplinary education will provide incredible advantages to students and graduates and in turn, increase the attraction of this campus for more students and outstanding new faculty, Parrill said.
Sutter said there is plenty of community interest, and if the activity continues to grow, Memphis can fuel a positive, productive and continual cycle of discovery and achievement.
"We're creating a whole new breed," Sutter said. "And it's all coming up to speed. There is tremendous growth in this department, and support for our initiatives. It will all ultimately help our faculty, attract high quality students and even enhance our Ph.D program."
