Microarray Shared Research Facility

Overview

he Microarray Shared Research Facility provides crucial research support for investigators interested in using Affymetrix GeneChips, glass slide spotted arrays, or peptide/protein arrays. The facility has a 15K sequence-verified mouse library from NIA, a 40K sequence-verified human library from Research Genetics, and a Tetrad Thermal Cycler for clone amplification. We also have two arrayers, two scanners and a liquid handling robot for glass-based standard or custom microarray assays.

The facility has a complete Affymetrix GeneChip system including hybridization oven, automatic fluid station, and high-resolution chip reader that accommodates whole genome chip assay. Our shared facility offers full service for RNA validation, target cRNA labeling/preparation, and chip-hybridization/post-processing as well as several control procedures to provide users with consistent and reliable results. We also offer partial service for chip hybridization & post-processing labeled samples. Detailed protocols can be found in the Genechip System > Protocols section of this Web site.

For microarray target labeling procedure, the facility has made available in-house optimized protocols for both spotted arrays, including direct and indirect labeling methods, and for Affymetrix GeneChips. For data processing, we offer custom data analysis service as well as institutional access to software packages, e.g. ArrayAssist from Agilent and Ingenuity Functional Analysis System. These pachages allow users to identify significant changes quickly and to interpret the results comprehensively. Users can access the software remotely via internet from local computers, which provide fast, total control and convenient working environment.

The facility has numerous specified instruments to accommodate a variety of microarray experiments. They are listed as following: GMS dual-fluorescence microarray scanner, GMS pin-ring arrayer, BioRobotics High-capacity arrayer, Perkin-Elmer Scanarray HT, Qiagen 8000 Liquid-Handling Robot, UV microplate reader, Agilent Bioanalyzer, NanoDrop spectrophotometer, and Affymetrix GeneChip System.

In addition to access to the equipment, the Facility provides consultation and assistance in research efforts. The Facility Director, Dr. Tearina Chu (tearina.chu@mssm.edu), maintains an office close to the Facility and is available by appointment for consultation. Dr. Chu and her staff will assist you in the design and execution of your experiments as well as data analysis. Use of the Facility is always monitored by the Facility staff.

PLEASE REMEMBER - For funding purposes, it is important to acknowledge the Microarray Shared Research Facility in all publications that include data derived from the facility. Thank you.