Genomics Core Facility

Function

Welcome to the Genomics Core Facility (GCF), located in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University (ECU). We provide rapid, dependable and economical service for Sanger and next-generation sequencing to the research community of ECU and researchers outside ECU.

Instrumentation

Sanger Sequencing

The Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer delivers gold-standard Sanger sequencing technology and fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis.
Analysis of DNA fragments enable a multitude of applications, from genotyping to bacteria identification and from plant screening to gene expression profiling.
Examples of applications that can be run on the SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer:

Agilent Bioanalyzer

To determine the quality of RNA and DNA samples, we use the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument. The 2100 Bioanalyzer system is an established automated electrophoresis tool for the sample quality control of biomolecules. The Bioanalyzer only requires 1 µL of sample and is sensitive enough to detect pico amounts of RNA, and the RIN (RNA Integrity Number), developed by Agilent, is the gold standard for RNA quality.
Digital data delivers objective assessment of sizing, quantitation, integrity, and purity from DNA, RNA, and proteins. Advantages of microfluidics-based automated electrophoresis over traditional gel electrophoresis include dramatically reduced sample (1 µL for nucleic acids, 4 µL for proteins) and reagent consumption, significantly faster analysis time, and less hands-on activities during sample preparation and data analysis.

DNA / RNA Quantification

RNA, DNA, or protein quantification is determined using the Qubit 4 Fluorometer.  This instrument accurately and quickly measures the concentration of DNA, RNA, or protein and requires as little as 1 µL of sample.

DNA / RNA Extractions

The Genomics Core offers a variety of options for extraction of total DNA from blood, tissue, cells, or environmental samples. Similar options are also available for RNA. Please see the current sample submission sheet for specific kits available or contact us for more information about these services and what may work best for your needs.

PCR Amplification

Standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to amplify DNA fragments is now available through the Genomics Core. Contact us to customize your protocol and ensure optimal amplification for your experiment. Service includes consultation on experimental design, PCR amplification, and nanodrop concentration/quality checks.

Next Generation Sequencing – Library Preparation

Nextera XT Library Prep for Illumina Sequencing
The Nextera XT DNA Library Prep uses an engineered transposome to tagment genomic DNA, which is a process that fragments DNA and then tags the DNA with adapter sequences in one step. Limited-cycle PCR uses the adapters to amplify the insert DNA. The PCR step also adds index adapter sequences on both ends of the DNA, which enables dual-indexed sequencing of pooled libraries on Illumina sequencing platforms.  The prep requires 1 ng input DNA per library and supports genomes that are less than 5 Mb.  Example applications include small genomes, amplicons, and plasmids.

Coming soon: Illumina Miniseq

The MiniSeq System delivers the power and confidence of proven Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in an accessible sequencing solution. It features cost-efficient sequencing, even for low numbers of samples. Its streamlined workflow enables rapid sequencing of both DNA and RNA. The MiniSeq System integrates clonal amplification, sequencing by synthesis, and base calling into a single benchtop instrument.

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