Center Objectives

Enhance the quality of pharmacogenomic research at the University of Florida by bringing together faculty working in this field, and increasing multidisciplinary collaboration among these faculties. Specific areas of pharmacogenomics research conducted by Center faculty may include:

• Study the genetic basis of variability in drug efficacy and toxicity, including study of genetic polymorphisms in drug targets, drug transporters and drug metabolizing enzymes. These investigations will include study of the genetic influences on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and will range from polymorphism discovery to in vitro or transgenic functional analysis of polymorphisms to small studies in humans of the functional effects of polymorphisms to large pharmacogenomic clinical trials.
• Investigation of disease-gene associations, especially those that may have relevance to pharmacogenomics. Use of human genetic information in drug discovery and development.
• Train clinical and basic scientists in pharmacogenomics.
• Educate the University of Florida Health Science community on pharmacogenomics, including research findings, potential implications for medicine, and ethical and legal ramifications, through various educational initiatives such as seminar series and symposia.