Genomics Core

Established: 1996

Mission

The overall goal of the NORC Genomics Core is to provide its investigators access to cutting-edge genomics resources and methodologies designed to facilitate and strengthen the quality of genetic, genomic, and molecular studies in nutrition/obesity-related research.

The Core’s specific aims are to:

1. Provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art genetic and genomic analysis services, including next generation sequencing, to NORC investigators.
2. Provide sample processing and aliquotting services, including extraction, quantitation, and biorepository storage of nucleotide-based samples.
3. Provide services for genotyping global admixture informative markers (AIMs) and the estimation of ancestral genetic admixture in order to promote the application of ancestral genetic admixture measurements in the study of mechanisms responsible for obesity and health disparities.
4. Act as a platform for promoting multi-disciplinary research and training in the genetic, genomic, and molecular aspects of nutrition and obesity research.
5. Provide advice and training to NORC pre- and post-doctoral trainees, pilot project awardees, and investigators regarding general aspects of genetics and genomics, as well as information on specific measurements, assays, and technologies.

Facilities

The NORC GC facility, including the space housing the Heflin Center Genomics Core Lab (both under the direction of Dr. Molly Bray), is comprised of two separate laboratory areas. The NORC sample biorepository resides in the Susan Mott Webb Nutrition Sciences Building. The biorepository lab includes 377 square feet, with access to a common walk-in cold room, dark room with imaging and photography, autoclave, equipment areas, fume hoods, and a biological safety hood, and includes a NORC-dedicated ultra-low freezer for sample storage. The NORC biorepository also includes 100 square feet of office space for Dr. Lok. Biorepository banking of samples is a service provided exclusively to NORC investigators. The Heflin Center Genomics Core Laboratory is housed in the Hugh Kaul Human Genetics Building, comprising a main lab space of approximately 2000 square feet, along with ancillary rooms housing specialized equipment, which is fully equipped with all necessary equipment used for molecular biology and genomics research. 

Technology

Major equipment available to the GC includes Illumina iScan and BeadXpress systems, which use BeadArray technology to interrogate multiple gene targets in a single assay for high throughput array-based and bead-based assays. We also have a Affymetrix 3000 7G scanner with an autoloader, two FS450 fluidics stations and two Hyb 640 hybridization ovens for gene expression and genotyping microarrays. Targeted re-sequencing is accomplished via the use of an ABI 3730 capillary sequencer, and next generation sequencing is accomplished via the use of Illumina Hi-Seq and GAIIx sequencers. Sample processing is facilitated using both Tecan EVO 150 and Beckman FX robotic liquid handling systems. The laboratory includes a Covaris DNA Library Preparation System for preparation of samples prior to next gen sequencing, Eppendorf 5810 and 5804 plate centrifuges, MJ Research thermal cyclers, Bio-Rad Experion and Agilent Bioanalyzer micro-electrophoresis systems, a Signature high speed microplate shaker, SciGene heating bases and blocks, Eppendorf microfuges, vortexers, two SciGene hybridization ovens, Tecan Genios fluorescent plate reader, a Roche Lightcycler, and other standard laboratory equipment for molecular biology. Long term ultra-low freezers connected to both alarm systems and emergency power are available for sample and reagent storage. For processing and storage of NGS and microarray data, the laboratory includes a Dell PowerEdge R715 server, consisting of a 2x AMD Opteron 6174, 2.2GHz, 12 cores, 32GB RAM along with 4TB disk storage.

Services

• The Core is available to anyone wishing to access state-of-the-art genomics and genetic technologies.
   
• Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Consultative and Experimental services are now available.
   
• The Illumina Core has the latest in DNA analysis technology including the iSCAN and BeadXpress systems for:
  
  • Large and medium scale SNP genotyping
  • Human DNA methylation analysis
  • Gene expression analysis and more
  • The Genomic Core facility provides:
  • DNA sequencing
  • SNP genotyping
  • Human cell line DNA fingerprinting
  • Affymetrix gene expression arrays
  • Discount oligonucleotides from IDT
     
• The Genomic Core also provides comprehensive data analysis services for microarrays, NGS and more.