GREENWOOD, S.C. – Greenwood continues to increase its role and competitiveness as an international provider of genetic services with a commitment of more than $1.75 million from the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC). The investment was made in advanced laboratory tools and a state-of-the-art aquaculture facility. The Center has invested in laboratory equipment, including a NovaSeq DNA sequencing system and a confocal microscopy system. Additionally, the Center has constructed on-site an advanced aquaculture facility that is the largest zebrafish facility in the state.
The Illumina NovaSeq 6000 System offers high-throughput sequencing across a broad range of applications. The NovaSeq also meets the research needs of both GGC and the Clemson Center for Human Genetics with unprecedented throughput at the lowest cost per sample.
The Hazel and Bill Allin Aquaculture Facility, already in operation in the JC Self Research Institute on the GGC’s Greenwood campus, will ultimately house 10,000 zebrafish that will be used to study genetic disorders, learn about the genes that underlie them, and identify new ways to treat them. Zebrafish are a useful model organism for studying human genetic diseases partly because they share approximately 70% of genes with humans. 85% of disease-causing genes in humans have a zebrafish counterpart.
Currently, the 107,000 sf Greenwood Genetic Center employs 185 people, including 35 M.D.’s and Ph.D.’s, and provides over 30,000 laboratory tests annually.
QUOTES
“The NovaSeq is the most powerful sequencer available, and through a collaboration between GGC and Clemson’s Center for Human Genetics, the only one in South Carolina is here in Greenwood. This instrument not only increases our DNA sequencing capacity and ability to diagnose complex patients through whole genome sequencing, but also provides genomic data to advance Clemson’s studies and GGC’s zebrafish models with the ultimate goal of improving patient health and quality of life.” – Director of the Greenwood Genetic Center, Dr. Steve Skinner
“We are excited to see the growth at the Greenwood Genetic Center and know the future is bright for their campus. We envision the Genetic Center playing a central role in Greenwood’s next era.” – Greenwood City, Mayor Brandon Smith
“Greenwood County is home to world-class companies and research partnerships that are revolutionizing the life science industry on a global scale. The addition of the new technology at the GGC helps accelerate that.” –Greenwood County Councilwoman, Edith Childs
“With ten percent of Greenwood County’s workforce in health care, it is great to see genetic testing capabilities growing as part of that sector.” – Greenwood Partnership Alliance Chair and GGC Board Member, Dr. Kristin Manske
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Greenwood Genetic Center expands equipment and constructed zebrafish facility.
- $1.75 million investment in genetic laboratory equipment and aquaculture facility.
- The Illumina NovaSeq 6000 System offers high-throughput sequencing across a broad range of applications.
- The Allin Aquaculture Facility, already in operation at GGC’s Greenwood campus, will ultimately house 10,000 zebrafish that will be used to study genetic disorders.
- Confocal microscopy uses particular optical components to generate high-resolution images of zebrafish stained with fluorescence.
About The Greenwood Partnership Alliance
The Greenwood Partnership Alliance is a non-profit organization established to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenwood County. Since 2007, GPA efforts have resulted in the announcement of more than 3,361 new jobs and more than $1.37 billion in capital investment in Greenwood County, SC. To learn more, call (864) 388-1250 or visit www.PartnershipAlliance.com.
About Greenwood Genetic Center and GGC Foundation
The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects. At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics. GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve. GGC extends its reach as a resource to all residents of South Carolina with satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. The GGC Foundation provides philanthropic financial support for the mission of the Center. For more information about GGC or the GGC Foundation please visit www.ggc.org.
