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Molecular Genetics

Core Facilities

The Molecular Genetics Core is a resource that allows NIEHS investigators to perform molecular genetics and screening of candidate genes and gene regions. Lauranell Burch, Ph.D. manages the facility, which assists with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection, sample preparation, sample management, molecular genetics and re-sequencing. Although NIEHS intramural funds provide support for the core, costs for use will be negotiated with each intramural investigator. The Molecular Genetics Core offers the following services:

  • Oracle-based LIMS project management with barcode interface
  • DNA isolation, DNA databasing, sample management and storage
  • Mining of existing SNP databases using the SNPselector program
  • Compilation of local SNP database resources for SNP projects
  • Mouse tail molecular genetics
  • SNP molecular genetics
  • Resequencing

SNPselector

The SNPselector program, written and maintained by molecular genetics Core facility staff, is a high-throughput program for selecting SNPs for genetic linkage or association studies based on SNP quality, linkage disequilibrium, SNP function, SNP regulatory potential, and whether SNPs reside within repeat regions. SNPselector will be used where appropriate to find known SNPs in a given gene or region.

SNP discovery in affected populations by reseqeuncing

The core is equipped with two ABI model 3730 48-capillary sequencers to sequence DNA utilizing dye terminator chemistry. The facility uses a BioMek FX robot for sample preparation at a 1/64 dye scale to produce high-throughput resequencing data at low cost.

In addition to sample management and sequencing, the molecular genetics Core will perform upstream bioinformatics and downstream data analysis to support resequencing projects.

Singleplex Molecular Genetics by TaqMan or 3’mismatch assays

Investigators who desire molecular genetics results from a small number of SNPs may have samples genotyped by TaqMan assay (Applied Biosystems) or by a 3’mismatch SNP molecular genetics protocol developed in the core facility.

Multiplex SNP Molecular Genetics (96, 384 and 1536-plex) by the Illumina method

Illumina’s GoldenGate™ assay uses an allele-specific extension reaction and universal PCR technology to multiplex up to 1,536 SNP loci. Illumina’s arrays have 30X average redundancy of each bead type, for robust signal and molecular genetics accuracy. The Molecular Genetics Core Facility’s Illumina workstation consists of pre and post-amp workstations in separate rooms to avoid PCR contamination.

Mouse Tail Molecular Genetics

Mouse tail DNA extraction is automated on the BioMek FX robot and molecular genetics is performed by melting curve analysis of PCR product containing SYBR green dye.

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Last Reviewed: September 08, 2008