The molecular biology section of the CARC Core Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for DNA and RNA sequence detection and analysis and genotyping services, which include Real-Time PCR for gene expression and genotyping, Bioanalyzer for analyzing the quality of DNA, RNA and proteins , and Capillary Electrophoresis Genetic Analyzers for DNA Sequencing and Fragment Sizing. Researchers need to bring their samples ready to be analyzed using these equipment.

Sequence Detection

Genetic Analyzers for 3500 DNA Sequencing and Fragment Sizing (ThermoFisher Scientific)

  • Supports DNA sequencing, fast re-sequencing, and versatile fragment analysis, and integrates seamlessly with downstream software for secondary analysis of genetic data.
  • The DNA Sequencing Lab uses the capillary electrophoresis technology developed by Applied Biosystems (ABI) to resolve fluorescently-labeled DNA on the 16-capillary ABI 3130xl Gene Analyzer. The lab offers both DNA sequencing and fragment (microsatellite) analysis to research users

ViiA 7 Real-Time PCR System (ThermoFisher Scientific)

  • Analysis using tools such as TaqMan® Gene Expression or Genotyping assays and Fast 96-well.
  • This system works with a wide range of dyes (FAM, SYBR, VIC, NED, TAMRA, ROX)

DNA/RNA Quantification

Qubit 2.0 (ThermoFisher Scientific)

spectramax plus

SpectraMax 384 Plus spectrophotometer (Molecular Devices)

  • Provides rapid and sensitive UV/VIS measurements of a variety of analytes including specific proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), Microbial Growth, Bacterial Toxins, Respiratory Burst Oxidase, Nitric Oxide, Serum Nitrate and Nitrite, Platelet Aggregation, α-Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Photopigments, Acetylcholinesterase, Cell Surface Antigens, Viral RNA, Oligonucleotide, Endotoxin, Protein (Bradford, Lowry, A 280), Chlorophyll, EDTA, Cytokine, Lipoxyases, Kinetic Turbidimetric, Phage Adsorption, TNF Activity, Substrate Cleavage, NAD(P)H, and β-Galactosidase among others.
  • It measures the optical density (OD) of samples in both standard 96- and 384-well microplates or in a cuvette at a selected wavelength for a single point in time (endpoint), over a specified period of time (kinetic), or over a selected wavelength range (spectral scan). It can also accommodate strip wells and filter-bottom microplates
  • Perform Absorbance or %Transmittance readings in the 190- to 1000-nm range
  • The time for processing can be set to any of the following: 30 s, 60 s, 120 s and continuous cycle

Nanodrop 2000 Spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific)

  • Measures 0.5- 2 ul samples with high accuracy and reproducibility.
  • Employs surface tension to hold the sample in place between two optical fibers
  • Conducts the measurement of very highly concentrated samples without the need for dilutions, therefore can measure sample concentration up to 200 times more concentrated than samples measured using the standard cuvette

2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent)

  • Provides sizing, quantitation and quality control of DNA, RNA and proteins on a single platform, providing high quality digital data.
  • Minimal sample consumption (1-4 µL)

PCR Machines

Veriti 96 Well Thermal Cycler (ThermoFisher Scientific)

  • Allows for precise PCR optimization and enable you to run up to 6 independent assays
  • Reduced PCR cycling time when using faster ramp rates

Extraction and Purification

Kingfisher flex 96 DW (ThermoFisher Scientific)

  • automated magnetic-particle processing for DNA/RNA, protein or cell purification from any source

Sonicators

Branson Ultrasonic Tank, Series 8000

Tissue Lyser

Breadmill Tissue Lyser II (Qiagen)

  • Simultaneously disrupts multiple biological samples through high-speed shaking in plastic tubes with stainless steel, tungsten carbide, or glass beads
  • Disrupted sample will be used for molecular analysis:
    • Purification of DNA, RNA, and proteins
    • Nucleic acid and protein assays
    • microRNA research and RNAi

Kingfisher Flex 96 (ThermoFisher Scientific)