DSF (DNA Sequencing Facility)

DNA Sequencing Facility

DNA Sequencing: Automated DNA Sequencing is performed using capillary-based AB 3130XL and AB 3730 DNA Analyzers. The instruments offer high throughput and sensitivity with a capability to handle more than 700 samples per day. These DNA Analyzers allow the Facility to have turnaround time of 1 to 2 days. Samples of single stranded, double stranded DNA, and PCR products, can be sequenced with reads >800 base pairs and a success rate of over 90%. For more information see the DNA Sequencing or SequencingFAQ pages.

Fragment Analysis: The Facility utilizes an AB 3130 DNA Analyzer for the analysis of fragments for microsatellites, AFLP, SNP's or any other fragment applications. See Fragment Analysis.

Real-Time Quantitative PCR: The Facility has available two AB 7900 real time PCR instrument that enables users to quantify PCR products as they are being made. Applications include quantitation of DNA/cDNA, RNA (one-step or two-step RT-PCR), allelic discrimination and plus/minus assays.

Automatic Liquid Handling: Two Beckman Biomeks are used in the DSF for automated liquid handling. The Biomek NX is a span-8 that uses 8 independent probes for pipetting and the Biomek FX is a 96-head that pipettes all 96 in unison.

Plate Reader: The DTX880 from Beckman is a plate reader that can be used for absorbance, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescent polarization assays.

Imaging: The DNA Facility has a, BioRad Molecular Imager FX Plus Pro and a two Typhoon Trios that can be used for phosphor or fluor imaging. We also have NighOwl imager that low light imaging of fluorescence or luminescence. For more information see Imaging.

NanoDrop: The NanoDrop is a spectrophotometer that only uses 1 ul of sample and no cuvette. It can quantify DNA at concentrations of 6 ng/ul to 3000 ng/ul without dilution. (Located in MBB 1.426, 2.318, and 3.220)

Bioanalyzer: The Bioanalyzer from Agilent uses microfluidics to run RNA, DNA and protein samples. It is widely used for determining the quality of RNA before running microarray or real-time quantitative pcr experiments.