Research Services
Pre-analysis consulting. Consulting services are available including protocols, discussion of sample types, sample number, genes of interest and overall goals of the project.
Laser Capture Microdissection. The facility offers a Zeiss UV-A, nitrogen pulse laser microdissection and catapulting system. This enables specific areas or single cell isolations from different types of tissues and cell cultures. Please contact the facility for further information regarding proper tissue preparation techniques.
Sample preparation. Assistance in sample preparation is available including protocols and provision of sample stabilization solution.
Extractions and cDNA synthesis. gDNA and total RNA extractions for research projects are done in a 96 well based format using the ABI 6100. Additionally researchers can request to have their samples precipitated and cDNA synthesized. A housekeeping gene validation experiment is run prior to profiling in order to determine the most stably transcribed housekeeping gene.
Special protocols. Enhanced RNA or gene-specific pre-amplification protocols are available for projects with low DNA or RNA concentration.
TaqMan® PCR system design. If the gene of interest has been sequenced the facility can provide custom primer design through Primer Express 3 for research projects. Inventoried primers can also be purchased directly from ABI.
Assays. More than 3,000 Real-Time TaqMan® PCR systems are currently available in the facility including but not limited to: Apple, Chicken, Citrus, Dog, Horse, Cat, Human, Mouse, non-human Primate, Rat, Sturgeon, Tobacco and Trout.
TaqMan® PCR. Complete TaqMan® analysis is done using a laser 7900 HTA FAST platform. RNA and DNA 384-well bar-coded plates may also be submitted from external users. Plates from external users will NOT be accepted on Fridays.
Final calculations. Results can be reported either by raw CT values, using absolute standard methods or the comparative CT method for relative gene transcription.
Custom design assays. The facility offers full disclosure of primer and TaqMan probe sequences for newly designed assays. The facility can also provide a written Materials & Methods section for publications for preliminary data, microdissection and pre-amplification.
