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 Typhoon Trio that can be used for phosphor or fluor imaging. 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.