The Genomics Research Unit (GRU) uses genomic technologies to study the biology of humans and other organisms with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes through the recognition of the interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
GRU research occurs across a spectrum: basic research to shed light on the structure and function of the genome; translational research to decipher the molecular bases of human diseases and healthy living; and, clinical research to establish how to use genomic information for advancing medical care.
GRU translates its research through its accredited Molecular Diagnostics Unit. The GRU employs over thirty research staff, including principal researchers, postdoctoral scientists, research assistants, postgraduate and honors students; is well equipped and funded by EU and national competitive grants as well as the industry.
GRU conducts a broad program of laboratory and clinical research to translate genomics into a greater understanding of diseases and develop better methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of heritable and genetic disorders.
The GRU bioinformatics branch focuses on computationally intensive approaches to analyze large-scale omics data from human to viruses and identifying genetic contributions to human disease.
GRU actively collaborates with many national and international institutions to advance research in areas as diverse as health, food tracing and environmental issues. Equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art technology platforms, the facility aims to provide comprehensive, quality and reliable services for academic and private sector scientists alike. The Unit also offers expertise and know-how in molecular and cell biology, biostatistics and bioinformatics.
- GRU coordinates and takes part in projects based, in all or partly, on NGS technology
- GRU is open to academic and industrial research laboratories and collaborates with many national and foreign institutions
The Molecular Diagnostic Unit (MDU) specialises in providing fast, accurate diagnostic tests. Our ISO 15189-accredited and UKAS accredited unit employs the latest technology, including next-generation sequencing, to provide high-quality services to our national and international collaborators.
MDU also encompasses a Biobank [node of the Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructures (BBMRI)] and a Sample Monitoring System to optimise the management of patient samples.
The Unit is constantly researching and developing new molecular diagnostic methods which can be introduced into the clinical practice. This allows us to remain ahead of the field in diagnostic testing and clinical monitoring and to provide the highest quality of patient care. Our work is particularly centred on hematooncology and infectious diseases (HPV, SARS CoV-2).
In more detail, MDU is entrusted to provide our National Health System’s hospitals with a wide range of sensitive, specific, reliable and updated diagnostic tests. By using state-of-the-art molecular techniques, we routinely identify alterations in the sequence or the expression of key genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases and that could in turn be used in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of patients as well as in the monitoring of the response to therapy.
MDU is actively involved in the global efforts to standardise and improve molecular diagnostics testing, we work in partnership with international and national consortia dedicated to these objectives. Finally, our Unit remains fully committed to promoting laboratory training and mentoring for students, technicians and medical residents.
For further information on each of our diagnostic services please follow the links below.
- European Hematology Association Reference lab:
- TP53 gene analysis with Sanger sequencing and targeted NGS: http://www.ericll.org/structure-of-the-tp53-network/
- IGHV gene somatic hypermutation analysis: http://www.ericll.org/structure-of-the-ig-network/
- Identification of mutations in hematologic malignancy genes (panels) | targeted NGS - Coordinator of the Hellenic Network of Precision Medicine on Cancer: https://oncopmnet.gr/?page_id=608
- Identification of solid tumors gene mutations (panels) | targeted NGS - Coordinator of Hellenic Network of Precision Medicine on Cancer: https://oncopmnet.gr/?page_id=608
- Identification of genetic variants of inherited cardiovascular diseases (panels) | targeted NGS - Member ofGreek National Network of Precision Medicine in Cardiology and the Prevention of Sudden Death in the Young: https://icardiacnet.gr/en/421-2/
- Molecular detection of HPV virus in the population of Greece (11 thousand women) in the context of a study evaluating the methodology of self-sampling of cervical material - "Greco self" screening program for cervical cancer.
- Repertory studies of B cell receptor (BcR) gene rearrangements in international clinical trials
- Repertoire studies of T cell receptor (TcR) gene rearrangements in international clinical trials
- Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in collaboration with the National Public Health Organisation (EODY)
- Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome for the detection of virus variants - Reference Laboratory for Northern Greece