The C. elegans functional genomics platform
A number of years ago, through funding from the RNG, CNRS and INSERM, support from Marseille-Nice Génopole and the CIML, acting as coordinating laboratory for the French C. elegans community, we established a national functional genomics platform. This platform was previously awarded RIO status (RIO plateau technique) a national evaluation of technology platforms. In 2011, it joined with the recently created CNRS-funded C. elegans service unit in Lyon to constitute a federated platform that is now supported by IBiSA.
Resources include the ORFeome and RNAi libraries, and the COPAS Biosort automated worm sorter. An example of how these resources can be used is given below :
Multi-step approach using the resources of the Marseille C. elegans functional genomics platform. The black boxed elements are part of the platform located at the CIML. Nemagenetag is a consortium of 6 European C. elegans laboratories, including those of JL. Bessereau (Paris) and L. Segalat (Lyon).
In the future, applications to use the resources at Marseille will be channeled through a joint Lyon-Marseille website.
For the time being, however, groups wishing to use the platform should submit a project (1 page maximum) to Jonathan Ewbank, explaining concisely the need to have access to the platform and the scientific rationale for the proposed use. Projects may be submitted at any time. They will be evaluated by the platform's Steering Commitee.
Priority will be given to French laboratories, who will be required to make a nominal contribution to running costs. Depending on demand, researchers in other countries may be able to use the platform on a full fee-paying basis.
