Director: Haiping Hao, PhD
To schedule an appointment or to discuss experimental design, send an email to: Haiping Hao: hahao@utmb.edu, or call (409) 772-6349
Email: hahao@utmb.edu
Phone: (409) 772-6349
Molecular Genetics
Real Time PCR
The Molecular Genomics Core (MGC) offers both custom and pre-optimized assays for an assortment of applications. We offer support in all aspects of the project from assay design to data analysis. It’s our attention to detail from sample QC to statistical analysis that sets our service apart from all others. Real Time PCR is the gold standard for validating gene expression data. Typically a list of genes with associated NCBI accession numbers are submitted for design of either TaqMan or SYBR assays. Whenever possible, assays will be designed such that a primer or TaqMan probe transverses an exon-exon junction in order to reduce the contribution of genomic DNA. The resulting probe/primers will be compared to the public database to ensure specificity. Samples should be submitted in the form of total RNA either frozen or as an ethanol precipitate. Once received, sample quantity will be determined via the NanoDrop which will be used to normalize RNA input for the reaction. Two hundred nanograms of sample will then be used to assess the integrity of the sample via the Agilent BioAnalyzer. Upon completion of QC, real-time analysis with be carried out on our ABI 7500 and a detail report generated. Each report consists of sample concentration, sample quality (Electropherogram and Gel-like image), relative ratios, or absolute values.Real-Time PCR ServicesGene expression profilingsiRNA knockdown validationAllelic discrimination / SNP genotypingTransgenic mouse genotypingService Features & OptionsSample Quantitation via NanoDrop® ND-1000Qualitative Sample analysis via Agilent BioAnalyzer®Assay (primer/probe) design & optimizationSYBR/TaqMan Chemistry OptionsRelative/Absolute Quantitation OptionsEasy to understand data report with statistical analysis
Sanger Sequencing
Our mission is to offer quality DNA sequencing at an affordable price in an effort to further your research. Our attention to data quality, ease of use (no premixing required) and low cost sets us apart from other sequencing services. DNA templates (PCR products, plasmids) and primers are submitted either separately or premixed to the core for processing (primer annealing, dye terminator reaction and cleanup). Samples may be submitted in individual tubes, strip tubes or 96 well plate formats. Standard primers are offered at no additional cost. Sequence detection is carried out on our Thermo Fisher SeqStudio Flex 24 instrument followed by post-detection processing. Upon successful completion of the analysis a report consisting of raw data (Electropherogram), processed sequence, and quality scores (Phred) are returned to the client.The resulting sequence can then be analyzed and compared to other known sequences with the help of various computational tools. (see useful links) DNA Sequencing Services1-94 reactions $7.50/reactionMore than 94 reactions $5.50/reactionStandard sequencing96-well sequencingPrimer walkingSNP resequencingService features & optionsSeqStudioFlex2448 hr turnaround time≥750bp read lengths @ ≥ 99.9% accuracyUniversal primers provided (list)Easy & flexible submission: (plasmid, PCR products)Basecall quality (Q) scoring
SNP genotyping
Molecular Genomics offers Taqman-bound allele discrimination analysis as a service.Samples should be submitted in the form of genomic DNA either frozen or as an ethanol precipitate. Once received, sample quantity will be determined via the NanoDrop which will be used to dilute the sample to the appropriate concentration for processing. Genotyping ServicesTaqman-Based Allelic DiscriminationService Features & OptionsExperimental DesignAssay design & optimization (TaqMan/DNA Seq)Sample Quantitation via NanoDrop® ND-1000Data Analysis
Cell Line Authentication (STR Analysis)
To provide for compliance with the NIH policies on enhancing reproducibility through rigor and transparency (NOT-OD-15-103), the Molecular Genomics (MG) Core(MRB 6.160) will begin offering STR analysis of genomic DNA isolated from human cells maintained in culture. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is a well-established technique for assessing cell line identity and has been the subject of a comprehensive evaluation (ASN-0002) by the ATCC Standard Development Organization (SDO). STR analysis will use a PCR-based strategy to target nine human STR loci and the amelogenin gene (gender determination). Amplicons are analyzed using capillary electrophoresis on an ABI genomic analyzer and the resulting profile is compared to the STR database maintained by ATCC. The results from this analysis can be used in providing evidence of compliance for the cell line authentication that is being requested by the NIH and many scientific journals.Cost: $50.00/cell sample for 10 loci assay $75/cell sample for 24 loci assayPlease provide 2-3 ug of genomic DNA in 10-20 ul sterile water.