Cytogenomics and genome resources The Cytogenomics and Genome Resources Core Facility has a single manager between these two functions. Cytogenomics includes karyotyping and spectral (SKY) karyotyping (for mouse, human, and other species), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping, transgenic insertion site mapping (G-to-FISH mapping) and clone labeling for FISH experiments. The Genome Resources components includes a clone repository (Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) cDNA (mouse and human), genomic clones including human bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs)) and provides project consultation and design assistance (annotation, database queries, probe selection). It also provides cDNA library screening and quantitative PCR. Genetic analysis The Genetic Analysis area includes capillary-based genotyping (Applied Biosystems TaqMan and SNaPshot, microsatellites), custom genotyping (e.g. heteroduplex analysis), mouse genotyping (for cross progeny and genetic linkage analysis), and methylation analysis (for epigenetics research). Biobanking The Biobanking Core Facility has its own dedicated manager. It performs white cell immortalization (from blood) and banking, fibroblast culture and banking, culture and banking of other cell types including non-human cells, genomic DNA preparation from blood, saliva, tissues or cells, and whole-genome amplification (WGA). Funding sources TCAG is funded by several agencies, including the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Genome Canada through the Ontario Genomics Institute, the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. Additionally, philanthropic donations are administered by The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, and specific research projects are funded by a wide variety of agencies and charitable foundations. Organization and management Scientific director The scientific director of TCAG is Stephen W. Scherer, senior staff scientist in The Hospital for Sick Children's Research Institute, director of the McLaughlin Centre, and a professor at the University of Toronto. Scientific management committee TCAG is governed by a scientific management committee, who meet regularly to discuss high-level strategic planning. The scientific management committee consists of: Gary Bader Michael Brudno Christian Marshall Andrew Paterson Adam Shlien Lisa Strug Martin Somerville Michael Wilson Ryan Yuen Bader and Brudno are located at the University of Toronto, and the others at The Hospital for Sick Children. The committee also includes three ex officio members: the assistant director, facility manager, and a representative from the Ontario Genomics Institute. Associate investigators Since 2006, TCAG has appointed associate investigators. These associates consult on their specific areas of expertise, and assist in identification and implementation of new technologies. At present, there are nineteen associate investigators: Drs. Moumita Barua (U of Toronto), Jonathan Beauchamp (U of Toronto), Sarah Bowdin