Office of Translational Genomics

The Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey (HGINJ) has embarked on a major initiative to encourage, foster, and support research in the life sciences within Rutgers University and the greater New Jersey community.  As a part of this initiative, further research will be emphasized in five major core programs.  Based on the strengths and expertise of the life sciences faculty, these programs include: Brain Disorders, Cancer Genomics, Computational Genetics, Reproductive Genetics, and Stem Cells.  Each program is headed by a leading expert in the area of concentration.

The Office of Translational and Medical Genomics (OTMG) has been established within HGINJ to coordinate the activities of the five programs. The major functions of this office include:

• Management of a Small Grants Program to promote innovative research that may lead to external grant support.
• Encouraging investigators with an interest in human genomics research to join HGINJ and its research programs.
• Connect researchers with the extensive core facilities and technical expertise available within HGINJ.
• Communication of major research findings stemming from HGINJ-sponsored research through meetings and symposia on campus and elsewhere.
• Prepare and distribute to the HGINJ faculty summaries of major research findings that have been recently reported in the translational genomics arena.
• Provide expertise on the potential translation of research findings into clinically useful diagnostic tests.
• Connect researchers with the appropriate university office for commercialization of research findings, if needed.

The office is headed by Amrik Sahota who has extensive experience in basic as well translational and service-oriented research. He is board certified in Clinical Molecular Genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics and in Molecular Diagnostics by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. He is a fellow of the Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, American College of Medical Genetics, Institute of Biology (UK), and the Royal College of Pathologists (UK). Dr. Sahota is a co-inventor for a patent application that was recently filed for the treatment of urinary tract stones using a novel class of crystal growth inhibitors. He is board-certified in clinical molecular genetics and in molecular diagnostics and is a fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics, National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, and the Royal College of Pathologists (UK). Dr. Sahota is director of translational research and of compliance and regulatory affairs for RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which is one of the core facilities within HGINJ.  He is also laboratory director of the Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.