DNA Sequencing and Analysis Facility

The DNA Sequencing and Analysis Facility is designed to provide genetic analysis services to scientists at the University of Minnesota and in the community. The DNA Sequencing and Analysis Facility has state-of-the-art instrumentation and experienced staff for comprehensive solutions to your genetic analysis needs.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE FACILITY INCLUDE

Sanger Sequencing
The BMGC DNA Sequencing and Analysis Facility utilizes capillary electrophoretic DNA analyzers for quick turnaround on small and high-throughput projects.  The facility currently has one 96 capillary ABI 3730xl that use ABI BigDye Terminator version 3.1 chemistry.

Next-Generation Sequencing
HiSeq 2000 & MiSeq
The BMGC operates the HiSeq 2000 sequencer and the MiSeq. These are high-throughput instruments that produce sequence from a variety of sample types derived from virtually any DNA or RNA sample. The applications for which Illumina sequencing is useful include, but are not limited to: whole genome sequencing, mRNA-seq, small RNA-seq and epigenetic analysis such as methyl-seq and ChIP-Seq. There are 3 main steps in any Illumina sequencing project: library preparation, cluster generation and sequencing. The BMGC performs all three steps. Please contact Aaron Becker at next-gen@umn.edu for project inquiries and quotes.

Roche GS FLX (454 Sequencing)
Roche GS FLX Sequencer utilizes Pyrosequencing to produce millions of long reads with exceptional accuracy in a single run. The process involves generation of a single-stranded template DNA library, emulsion-based clonal amplification of the library and data generation via sequencing-by-synthesis. Please contact next-gen@umn.edu for project inquires and quotes.

Fragment Analysis (GeneMapper®) 
An ABI 3730xl capillary instrument is used for fragment analysis/genotyping using GeneMapper® Software.

DNA Extraction and Plasmid Preparation
BMGC extracts DNA from blood, buccal, and plasmid samples to be used in genotyping and sequencing.

Sample Quantification and Quality Control 
Qualitative Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis: The BMGC has a Caliper GX and an Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 for analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells. 

Sample Quantification: The BMGC has a NanoDrop-8000 full-spectrum spectrophotometer for quantification of DNA and RNA samples. In addition, we have a BioTek Plate Reader used to perform PicoGreen and RiboGreen fluorescent assays for ultrasensitive quantification of nucleic acids.

• Contact: Amy Hauck (612)-625-7736- St. Paul
• Contact: Jerry Daniel (612)-624-4736- Minneapolis

Real Time - PCR
An ABI 7900HT is available to researchers for customized projects.  The 7900HT has a wavelength detection of 500-660 nm, allowing for multiple chemistry detection, including TAQMAN®, Universal Probe Library and SYBR® Green. Applications include real-time PCR, SNP detection and +/- assays, Allelic Discrimination, Relative & Absolute Quantification.

Q-RT-PCR projects please contact Trianna Full prior to starting your project at 612-625-7736 or qpcr@umn.edu for details.