From crop genetics and wildlife biology to the human microbiome and personalised medicine, La Trobe’s Genomics Platform supports high-impact projects with advanced genomic sequencing services, bioinformatics, and machine learning.
The platform offers end-to-end support – from experimental design and single-cell sequencing to data analysis, biomarker discovery, and predictive modelling. This makes it a valuable partner for research and development, diagnostics, biotech validation, and regulatory reporting.
“The platform has two core functions: next-generation sequencing; and, bioinformatics to make sense of the data,” says Dr Christopher Adda, Director of Research Infrastructure at La Trobe.
By combining wet-lab expertise with powerful computing, the platform gives partners fast, flexible access to genomic infrastructure without building it in-house. Industry-ready service models can adapt to each project’s scale, speed, and complexity.
“For example, researchers can use the platform to compare diseased and non-diseased tissues, identify genetic markers, and integrate sequencing with robust data analysis and machine learning-based knowledge discovery,” says Dr Adda.
Advanced tools with practical applications
The Genomics Platform supports research into gene and small RNA expression, genome structure, single-cell biology, virome, and microbial communities. It uses Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies for fast, cost-effective sequencing of nucleic acid samples.
“We’re expanding into newer technologies that allow us to sequence whole genomes more affordably and efficiently,” says Dr Adda.
New capabilities include spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics integration, linking gene expression to function at a cellular level. This extends to single-cell sequencing for identifying where genes are expressed within specific cells or tissues.
The platform also offers plasmid sequencing – analysing small, circular DNA molecules often found in bacteria that carry genes for traits like antibiotic resistance – with applications in medicine, vaccines, gene cloning, and agriculture.
“We used to only sequence sections of a plasmid,” says Dr Adda. “Now we can sequence the whole plasmid quickly and accurately.”
The platform’s bioinformatics specialists link complex biological datasets to identify trends, reveal underlying mechanisms, and build predictive models that support applications in diagnostics, biotech, agriculture, and more.
Bespoke support, flexible services
Unlike larger providers, La Trobe’s platform supports low-volume, niche, and custom projects. Engagements range from fee-for-service to collaborative research, with fast onboarding thanks to ready-to-use contract templates.
“We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround for our services, and being really responsive to industry needs, while still maintaining high quality standards,” says Dr Adda.
“We understand that industry partners have milestones and specific timeframes they need to meet. We streamline the whole process: we already have all the structures and administration in place to handle everything from setting up agreements to providing the service quickly.”
Clients also gain access to high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and custom pipeline development. Training and consultation are available to build internal capability in genomics, computing, and data workflows.
It’s not just about the equipment, it’s also about having the available expertise to turn data into innovation across medicine, agriculture, environmental science – anything that relies on understanding genomics.
Turning diet data into medicine
Epigenes Australia, a long-term industry partner, has collaborated closely with La Trobe’s Genomics Platform for several years. The partnership has led to multiple co-authored publications and continues to build our understanding of how environmental factors such as calorie restriction, stress, and social interaction affect biology and behaviour.
One recent project explored how calorie restriction affects the brain through microRNAs: small molecules that control gene activity.
The study revealed that calorie restriction activates specific microRNAs linked to reduced anxiety, better brain health, and conditions like obesity and diabetes. These microRNAs, consistent across brain regions and detectable in blood, may serve as biomarkers for mental and metabolic health.
The findings also support drug repurposing efforts to simulate the benefits of calorie restriction, opening new pathways for treatment.
Where insight meets infrastructure
La Trobe’s Genomics Platform offers more than sequencing: it provides strategic, science-driven collaboration. Staff bring both subject matter and technical expertise, adding value across every stage of a project.
Industry partners can choose the level of support that suits them best, whether handing over samples for full-service processing or accessing equipment directly, with training and guidance available as needed.
That means faster turnaround times compared to larger commercial labs, flexible service models for complex or niche projects, and access to highly skilled genomics and bioinformatics experts, whether through fully managed services or hands-on access.
“It’s not just about the equipment, it’s also about having the available expertise to turn data into innovation across medicine, agriculture, environmental science – anything that relies on understanding genomics,” says Dr Adda.
For more information and to explore collaboration opportunities, visit La Trobe’s Genomics Platform website.
