Canadore College opens genomics lab: State-of-the-art facility will foster student learning, applied research.

• Author: Kelly, Lindsay

Canadore College in North Bay marked the official opening of its functional genomics lab on Aug. 29, ushering in a new wave of science-related applied research and educational programming.

"It is a grand day; it is an exciting day," said David Villeneuve, a professor in biotechnology at Canadore. "And it is going to be a unique opportunity for anybody in Northern Ontario to participate in a branch of science that we refer to as next-generation sequencing."

Functional genomics involves the study of the genome, or the sum components that make up an organism's DNA, and how it impacts various biological processes.

The science has potentially wide-ranging applications. In health-care, for example, it could be used to find preventive measures against illness.

Canadore announced the establishment of the $1.5-million, 1,000-square-foot genomics lab in March, along with a partnership agreement with Mississauga-based The DNA Company.

Located within The Village, the college's interdisciplinary health-care teaching facility, the genomics lab will provide Canadore's biotechnology students with handson, experiential learning opportunities.

The college currently offers a biotechnology technician course, but additional programming is on the way.

College president George Burton said Canadore received, in late August, provincial approval to offer a post-graduate certificate in functional genomics and clinical consultations. It will be offered as early as 2020.

A number of professional development courses in functional genomics for physicians and other health-care providers are also in development.

The initial courses will be overseen by Dr. Mansoor Mohammed, president and chief science officer at The DNA Company.

"I'm really happy that he has come on board with us in this phase of our development," Burton said.

Last April, following the announcement of the Canadore-DNA Company partnership, Mohammed indicated one of the projects undertaken at the lab would explore better ways to treat and support those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

According to Mohammed, ASD primarily impacts brain development, which results in affected behaviour, social interactions and one's ability to communicate.

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