The Greenwood Genetic Center provides modern and well-equipped facilities where technology is put to work for evaluation, treatment and prevention of human genetic disorders.
Annually, more than 20,000 families from throughout South Carolina and the Southeast receive clinical, laboratory diagnostic and counseling services through the Center’s clinical and laboratory operations.
The J.C. Self Genetic Laboratories are dedicated to the memory of James Cuthbert Self, local textile pioneer, philanthropist and founder of The Self Family Foundation. The services offered by the Greenwood Genetic Center include: Biochemical Diagnostic Testing, Cytogenetic Diagnostic Testing, FISH Analysis, Molecular Diagnostic Testing and Prenatal Maternal Serum Screening.
Everyone feels the impact when a baby is born with birth defects or mental retardation. To this end, the Genetic Center’s goal is simple… to have all babies born with healthy minds and bodies.
J.C. Self Institute of Human Genetics
Opening in 1996, the J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics is a state and national resource where scientists seek a greater understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of birth defects and mental retardation. The Institute is taking a leading role in genetic research in South Carolina. Whether mapping part of the vast unknown areas of the human genome, studying the effects of a single gene gone awry, or putting into practice a strategy for families to avoid hereditary disease, scientists at the Institute hope their work will bring the next generation closer to the goal of having all babies born healthy and free of physical and mental disabilities.
In 2001–2002 the Institute was awarded $15.4 million in research grants.
Research at the Institute is divided into two major centers: the Center for Molecular Studies and the Center for Anatomic Studies. The primary research foci in the Center for Molecular Studies are gaining a greater understanding of mental retardation, discovering new mechanisms which contribute to genetic disease and developing new strategies for prevention. The Center for Anatomic Studies devotes its resources toward understanding the mechanisms by which birth defects occur and how they may be prevented. Investigations focus on the process of embryonic and fetal growth, and on the contribution of faulty blood vessels on early development.
SC Biotechnology Incubation Facility
In 1999, the Partnership Alliance and legislative delegation were instrumental in securing a $3.5-million grant from the SC General Assembly to establish the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Facility, a 22,000-square-foot west wing addition to the J.C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics. About 8,000 square feet of the facility is used for laboratory modules and related office space, available for defined periods of time to promising projects and companies. The building also includes a library, conference facility, and space for central services and other support activities. Economically viable projects are encouraged to grow into separate operations in the surrounding Biotechnology Park.
The Greenwood Genetic Center provides administrative support and consultation for the incubation facility through the Division of Technology Advancement, which was established in 2000. The South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program operates under the supervision of a board of directors, with funds for the incubation facility coming from state appropriations.
The State of South Carolina and Greenwood County held groundbreaking ceremonies on May 2, 2000 for the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Facility. This exciting project is part of the State’s efforts to build the infrastructure necessary for South Carolina to capture a greater share of the burgeoning life-science industry. The facility was completed in October 2001.
Prior to groundbreaking James Barker (President, Clemson University), Dr. Ray Greenberg (President, Medical University of South Carolina) and Dr. John Palms (President, University of South Carolina) (from left to right in photo below) heard plans for the Incubation Facility and discussed opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with University scientists. Partnership with these prestigious schools is seen as a key component to the success of the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Program. Following their meeting, the presidents of the three research universities issued the following statement of support:
Our universities are committed to the South Carolina Biotechnology Incubation Facility at the J.C. Self Institute of Human Genetics and to ensuring its success. Its promise for making major advances in basic and applied genetics is great, and we believe the time has come to make this center a reality. Through this facility, our faculty will leverage their talents in close cooperation to make lasting contributions to medicine, science and the health of men, women and children in South Carolina and beyond.”
Mr. Karl Kelly, CEO
SC Biotechnology Incubation Program
One Gregor Mendel Circle
Greenwood, SC 29646
Phone: 864.953.3981
Fax: 864.953.3984
E-mail: kkelly@scbio.org
