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Marine Genomics Center of Economic Excellence
University collaborators: Medical University of South Carolina (fiscal agent) College of Charleston (collaborative partner) About the CoEE: The Marine Genomics CoEE researches marine functional genomics and bioinformatics, which include analyzing physiological adjustments in animal and plant genetics that result from environmental changes. Genomics technology is an important tool for the South Carolina oyster and shrimp industries. The CoEE’s investors and collaborators include Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. In October 2008, the HML completed a 16,000 square foot expansion, dedicating 2,000 square feet to research space for this CoEE. This CoEE sells diagnostic gene chips to the International Oyster Microarray consortium on a cost-recovery basis, raising the profile of the marine genomics group in the international community. As an international leader in this field, the CoEE has established the world’s only data- and tools-based marine genomics website. In 2007, the CoEE generated intellectual property based on a major discovery, with viable commercial possibilities, relating to RNA and viral infections in shrimp. The CoEE has partnered with two private companies, Shrimp Improvement Systems and Biogenmar, and is negotiating a formal relationship with a third company, Martek, to
test the antiviral effect of algae incorporated in shrimp diets. MUSC is also negotiating a Materials Transfer Agreement with Mt. Sinai Hospital (NYC), which uses shrimp clones to study immune mechanisms in humans. Since inception, the CoEE has received $5 million in federal and state grant funding.
Funding level: CoEE endowed chair:
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