TGen

Phoenix, ArizonaPDF Version

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TGen knows that a 100x faster connection can lead to faster cures.

BACKGROUND

Translational genomics research is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project and applying them to the development of cures for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), based in downtown Phoenix, came to Cox Business for a communications solution that would allow its scientists to more quickly analyze next-generation whole genome sequences – readouts of the entire 3 billion chemical letters in an individual’s DNA.

SOLUTIONS

Working directly with scientists at TGen, Cox Business installed a 10G LightWave fiber optic connection between TGen and the Saguaro 2 supercomputer at Arizona State University, TGen’s research partner. The new connection replaces a 1G line, increasing the speed of data transfer by 100 times. The Cox Business LightWave technology, together with data-encryption technology designed by Obsidian Strategics for military applications, allows TGen scientists to securely accelerate molecular research into complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

RESULTS

The transfer and processing of data sets containing trillions of bits of DNA information that once took more than a week can now be done in just a few hours. Reducing data transmission time will become even more critical in the future, with TGen’s next-generation sequencers easily producing as much as 30 terabytes of data per experiment, or the equivalent of an iPod with 15 million songs.

“Every advance in computer technology helps us move ever closer to finding new and better ways to diagnose – and help select treatment for – patients who are counting on us to help improve their quality of life. We expect this system to be a significant step in that direction,” said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen’s president and research director.

In addition to the next-generation whole genome sequencing, the faster computer connection provided by Cox Business helps data transfers in the emerging field of proteomics in which TGen will identify protein biomarkers linked to the causes of diseases.