ASU SoLS: DNA Laboratory

The DNA Laboratory at ASU supports a variety of techniques useful to molecular biologists. The laboratory is open to both on and off campus researchers. A list of techniques and equipment follow.

DNA sequencing is run as a service. Laboratories may submit samples along with a sequencing request form. Sequencing reactions are usually run in our lab; however, we will run at significantly reduced cost sequencing reactions run and purified in other laboratories. We maintain a stock of common plasmid primers accessible through a link on the sequencing form. We utilize an Applied Biosystems 3730 capillary sequencer. Read lengths are routinely 800–900bp. Turnaround time is 24–48 hours. As of December 2007 we will also provide plasmid and PCR product purifications in a 96 well format.

Fragment analysis, which includes microsatellites, AFLP, or STR applications can also be run on the 3730 sequencer. This is our primary platform for fragment analysis. For those interested in using dyes incompatible with the 3730, we maintain and ABI 377 gel sequencer. Dye labeled samples are normally generated in respective laboratories and delivered to our lab for analysis. Contact us before submitting samples.

Microarray slides can be scanned using an Agilent scanner. We do not manufacture microarrays. We do have the equipment to complete all other aspects of microarray analysis. Files generated from the scanner are processed using either Agilent’s Feature Extraction or Axon’s GenePix Pro 6.0 software. Statistical analysis, gene filtering, and gene clustering can be accomplished with Agilent’s Genespring software. Normally we instruct users on the techniques and software. However, we will provide microarray hybridization and analysis to laboratories which provide us the RNA. Contact us for more information.

Real time PCR in the DNA lab is run on an ABI7900HT thermocycler using a 384 well format. Samples are usually set up in respective laboratories. We provide training on the software and help in experimental setup. Primers and probes can be designed using ABI Primer Express software that is available in the lab.

The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer is a type of capillary electrophoresis unit that is capable of separating RNA, DNA or protein in lieu of gel electrophoresis. Samples can be submitted as a service request or users can be trained on the instrument. We routinely run RNA samples only so please contact us prior to planning submission of any other samples. Any RNA submitted for microarray analysis will be checked on the bioanalyzer for integrity before beginning the labeling reactions.