Welcome

Welcome to the Center for Cancer Computational Biology (CCCB) at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The CCCB has three primary elements.

The CCCB sequencing facility offers a wide range of services to assist in the design and execution of next-generation sequencing projects. Utilizing the Illumina (Solexa) sequencing technology, we currently support a number of applications inlcuding ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, whole genome, whole exome, and targeted re-sequencing.

 

The analytical services and support platform aims to provide state-of-the-art assistance in the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of large-scale data with a focus on data generated using 'omic technologies. In addition, we offer software, services, and training designed to assist investigators in advancing their research.

The CCCB research program is focused on development of new methods for improving analysis and interpretation of genomic data through integration of diverse data types with the goal of creating open-source software tools to be made freely-available to the research community.

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CCCB Presents: Monthly Employee Profiles!
Each month, a different CCCB employee will be profiled for the front page of our website. Each month the profiles will cycle off to the 'Members' page as new ones are added.

 

Lan Hu, PhD, Bioinformatics Analyst

 

As the CCCB’s favorite (and only) skydiving analyst, Lan has a lot on her plate. Balancing her multiple analysis projects, volunteer services at DFCI, and a love for interesting activities and food is like that delicate moment on the precipice of freefall at 10,000 feet. In the winter, we love Lan’s daily showcase of her handiwork: beautiful sweaters knit in record speeds. All year round, we’re amazed by her dedication to her projects (including RNA-Seq analysis in cancer archival FFPE blocks, ribosome footprint profiling, and PEComa whole genome and transcriptome analysis) and her ability to connect with collaborators. When asked what her favorite part of working for the CCCB is, Lan replied, “My work has a good mixture of people interacting and technology interacting components.” A self described nerd, Lan is adventurous; she fences, horseback rides, and will give skydiving a try in a few weeks. She is also exploratory with food, creating queen-worthy dishes in her kitchen, independent of any cookbook. Dr. Hu’s daring nature combined with her diligence makes her a valuable member of the CCCB!

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DFCI Intranet Photo of the Week: We are proud as Fieda Abderazzaq poses for Dana-Farber's photo of the week (June 13, 2011). The photo shows Fieda preparing a DNA sample for a procedure known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which indicates how many copies of a section of DNA are present.

 

 

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Mick Correll receives Excellence in Management Award, May 2 2011

We are thrilled to announce that Executive Leadership has selected Mick Correll, Associate Director of the CCCB, as the recipient for the quarterly Excellence in Management Award. This selection was based on numerous nominations regarding Mick's ability to create an ideal work environment through his commitment to staff development/mentoring, professionalism and leadership. Congratulations Mick!

 

 

 

 

 

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The Human Genome, written by John Quackenbush, PhD

The DNA sequence that comprises the human genome--the genetic blueprint found in each of our cells--is undoubtedly the greatest code ever to be broken. Completed at the dawn of a new millennium, the feat electrified both the scientific community and the general public with its tantalizing promise of new and better treatments for countless diseases, including Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's. Yet what is arguably the most important discovery of our time has also opened a Pandora's box of questions about who we are as humans and how the unique information stored in our genomes can and might be used, making it all the more important for everyone to understand the new science of genomics. In The Curiosity Guide to the Human Genome, Dr. John Quackenbush, a renowned scientist and professor, conducts a fascinating tour of the history and science behind the Human Genome Project and the technologies that are revolutionizing the practice of medicine today. With a clear and engaging narrative style, he demystifies the fundamental principles of genetics and molecular biology, including the astounding ways in which genes function, alone or together with other genes and the environment, to either sustain life or trigger disease. In addition, Dr. Quackenbush goes beyond medicine to examine how DNA-sequencing technology is changing how we think of ourselves as a species by providing new insights about our earliest ancestors and reconfirming our inextricable link to all life on earth. Finally, he explores the legal and ethical questions surrounding such controversial topics as stem cell research, prenatal testing, forensics, and cloning, making this volume of The Curiosity Guides series an indispensable resource for navigating our brave new genomic world.

 

Dr. John Quackenbush is Professor of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Professor of Cancer Biology, and Director of the Center for Cancer Computational Biology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Professor of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the Harvard School of Public Health. Trained as a theoretical physicist, he transitioned to biomedical research through his work on the Human Genome Project. A pioneer in DNA microarray analysis and a world-renowned expert in bioinformatics, his current work involves using cutting-edge genomic technologies and laboratory and computational methods to search for gene targets that might lead to more effective medical treatments for cancer and other diseases.
 

You can purchase the book here.