The Molecular Medicine Core (MMC) was established in April 2005 as a focal point of cancer genetics and genotyping at the WVU Health Sciences Center to support basic and translational research, and also to provide guidance for treatment of clinical trials in the Cancer Center.  The objective of this Core is to provide advanced technical services and expertise to HSC investigators in designing and conducting assays and experiments; preparing samples for analysis; performing essential assays such as RT-PCR, Real-Time Quantitative PCR, DNA Sequencing, SNP genotyping, and pathogen detection; and assisting in interpretation of generated data.

At present, the MMC offers a broad range of laboratory services in gene-based molecular medicine, as well as training and consultation.  The Core provides treatment guidance for clinical trials conducted at the MBR Cancer Center based on EGFR mutation screening and detection of HPV subtypes.  Other services include phenotype/genotype correlation and investigation of the significance of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in disease susceptibility.  The Core also helps WVU clinicians and investigators to understand advanced molecular-genetics techniques and trains laboratory personnel at West Virginia University and at institutions elsewhere in the State.

The Molecular Medicine Core houses state-of-the-art specialized equipment, including ABI 7500 Fast Real Time PCR System, CEQ 8000 Genetic Analysis System, ABI Prism DNA Sequencer, ABI Thermal Cyclers, and various other equipment needed.  The MMC staff routinely use two different DNA sequencing systems to double-check findings, which enables the Core to provide high quality and highly reliable services. 

The Scientific Director of the Molecular Medicine Core (Jing Jie Yu, MD) has extensive professional experience in molecular genetics. Two special assistants are assigned to the Core. One has expertise in genetic analyses; the other is trained in a variety of molecular testing techniques. With 15 years of experience in genomics investigation and genetic analysis, the MMC staff enable clinicians and investigators to reach their research and treatment goals.