Q. What is the NFGC? A. The NFGC is the acronym for the National Functional Genomics Center, which is funded by the United States Department of Defense, Advanced Medical Technology. The Center's focus is to validate the concept that molecular signatures predict cancer risk, diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy as well as to identify new molecular targets for the treatment, prevention and care of cancer patients.
Q. Why is this research funded by the Department of Defense? A. The U.S. Department of Defense established the NFGC at Moffitt Cancer Center and continues to invest in it because of the tremendous potential for this research to improve medical care for active duty military, veterans, and the general public. Advances in cancer treatment made by NFGC research may also be transferred to other diseases. The Department of Defense (DoD) definitely has a role to play in the war against cancer, which claims more than 500,000 American lives each year.
Q. What is a molecular signature? A. It is information gathered from the DNA, RNA, or proteins within a tumor that can provide specific information about an individual tumor. Please follow this flowchart for more information.
Q. What are key elements needed to discover a molecular signature? A. The key elements include:
Q. Who can become a Member of the NFGC? A. There are two levels of membership in the NFGC, Institution Members and Industry Members. The criteria for becoming an Institutional Member of the NFGC is to be successfully funded by the DoD. Industry Members must bring “value added” to the NFGC. Value added includes technology, services, and/or funds.
Q. How can an Institution or Industry become a Member? A. The interested party should contact the Business Office of the NFGC.
Q. How can Members be assured that the proprietary information that is brought to the NFGC will remain protected? A. In all situations where proprietary information is being shared there is some concern about the protection of this information. Generally the parties address these issues by using a Confidential Disclosure Agreement. Members of the NFGC consult their associated offices of technology transfer (in Moffitt's case, the Office of Technology Management and Commercialization ) for assistance.
Q. Who owns the technology developed by NFGC Members? A. The Member that develops the technology owns the technology. Jointly developed technology is jointly owned by the Members. The Business Office will work with the parties in bundling technologies for commercialization purposes.
Do you have a question that is not listed here? If so, please email your question to Rae Reuille, program administrator.
Updated on 6/19/09