International Cancer Genome Consortium

The Cancer Genome Atlas Biospecimen Core Resources are centralized laboratories that review and process blood and tissue samples and their associated data using optimized standard operating procedures for the entire TCGA Research Network.
The work of the BCRs include the following important functions:
• Serving as the interface between the TCGA program and the different Tissue Source Sites collecting tumor and matched normal controls
• Ensuring and verifying that TCGA human subjects protections and guidelines are adhered to and that all regulations are followed at each Tissue Source Site
• Including use of language consistent with the TCGA informed consent documents
• Examining of all biospecimens to ensure they meet rigorous standards for each tumor type (including percent necrosis and percent tumor nuclei)
• Reviewing of pathology to ensure accurate diagnosis and inclusion in TCGA
• Collecting clinical information for each tissue and applying standardized terminology, definitions and formats that are caBIG compliant
• Extracting DNA and RNA from tissue samples and and distributing to each of the genomic characterization and sequencing centers

TCGA Genome Characterization Centers (GCCs) are responsible for characterizing all of the genomic changes found in the tumors studied as part of the TCGA program. The GCCs will use multiple platforms, including array technologies and second generation sequencing, to provide data to the cancer research community on alterations in miRNA and gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number changes.
TCGA Genome Sequencing Centers (GSCs) perform large-scale genomic sequencing using the most current technologies. The GSCs have the opportunity to continually improve existing technology and invest in implementation of new sequencing technologies to enable whole genome sequencing of tumors for complete genomic analysis at an increasingly reduced cost.
TCGA Genome Data Analysis Centers (GDACs) work with the Genome Characterization Centers to develop state-of-the-art tools that assist researchers with processing and integrating data analyses across the entire genome.

The informatics component of TCGA involves developing best ways to collect, store, and distribute the clinical and genomic data generated by the project.
The Genome Data Analysis Centers work with the Genome Characterization Centers to develop state-of-the-art tools that assist researchers with processing and integrating data analyses across the entire genome.