Grant: CEEHRC Epigenomics Platform - Epigenomic Data Coordination Centre (EDCC)

Epigenetic processes play a key role in organizing genomic information to modulate gene expression and control cellular functions. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of the cell, there is a fundamental need to generate reference maps and integrate across multiple levels of genetic and epigenetic information for various human tissues and animal models. The International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) and the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment, and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) have recognized this need and are supporting the generation of reference epigenomic maps for a wide range of cell types. The sheer volume of data associated with these initiatives requires significant informatics support and the development of quantitative analysis and tools to explore and study these genome-wide maps. We propose an integrative Epigenomic Data Coordination Centre (EDCC) at McGill, which will be a national hub to support data collection, processing, storage and dissemination for projects funded under the CEEHRC initiative and facilitate integration with the IHEC. The outcome will include data pipelines and tools using standardized formats and vocabularies for verification, validation, and analyses across the CEEHRC network. The EDCC McGill will also develop a framework that leverages Compute Canada national resources to support large-scale processing, sharing and visualization of epigenomics data. The platform will enable epigenetic researchers on a national level to query and exploit this valuable resource.