The Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics hosts an internationally recognized program of investigation of the genetic bases of human autoimmune diseases. The North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium (NARAC), with Dr. Peter Gregersen as the Principal Investigator, constitutes the world's largest effort to identify the genes responsible for the development of rheumatiod arthritis. In addition to the NARAC, the Center leads two other major NIH funded initiatives in human autoimmune diseases. One of these, the Multiple Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium (MADGC), aims to identify common genes that underlie diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, juvenile diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. The Autoimmune Biomarkers Collaborative Network (ABCoN) is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional effort to identify clinical useful biomarkers for the management of autoimmune diseases. These activities are complemented by research programs on animal models and the basic molecular biology of autoimmunity.

In addition to these projects on autoimmunity, the Center developed and directs the North Shore LIJ Biorepository, a unique robotic facility that supports a major longitudinal cohort study designed to understand the relative roles of genetics and environment in the development of cancer (The New York Cancer Project at AMDEC). The North Shore LIJ Biorepository provides state-of-the-art sample preparation, as well as storage and retrieval of biological materials used in a variety of related human population genetic studies. The Center has ongoing projects in several novel areas of genetic investigation including the genetic basis of a rare cognitive trait, absolute pitch, as well the biology and genetics of developmental language disorders. The diversity of these and other projects reflects the broad application of genetics research to understanding normal and abnormal human phenotypes.

We also host major internet resources on genetic linkage analysis and microarray analysis.