Joslin Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping Core

Overview

The objective of the Molecular Phenotyping and Genotyping Core is to support Joslin and external investigators in the study of molecular mechanisms of disease by providing equipment, expertise, and services in molecular phenotyping, including nucleic acid sequence analyses, gene expression, and other "-omics" analyses, which would be too specialized or costly for individual laboratories to perform independently. Formerly known as the Advanced Genomics and Genetics Core, the Molecular Phenotyping Core is newly-named in recognition of the expansion of its analytical capacities to reflect not only genetic and genomic analyses but also metabolic phenotyping.

Services

The Core's current services include:

1. DNA purification: Extraction of high quality DNA from human specimens, including blood samples.
2. DNA repository: The Core repository currently includes about 6,000 DNA samples organized in eight panels, some of which include special forms of diabetes not available in other collections.
3. SNP genotyping: The Core provides a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing service based on the Applied Biosystems TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Typically, these are SNPs that have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or resequencing projects as being associated with diabetes or its complications, and for which replication is being sought in other studies.
4. Bioanalyzer quantification of DNA/RNA samples: The Core provides sizing, quantitation, and quality control services of DNA and RNA samples using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system. This is often used in preparation for high-throughput sequencing, or other expression analysis.
5. DNA shearing: The Covaris E220 Ultrasonicator provides high quality shearing of 1 to 96 gDNA samples in a single run.
6. Next-generation sequencing: The Core offers full service library prep and capture for custom designed or whole exome NGS projects. Sequencing of prepared libraries is completed through a collaboration with the Harvard Biopolymers Facility.
7. PCR expression analysis: The Core houses two ABI 7900's (386 well) and one ABI 7000 (96-well).
8. Education and training: The Core assists Joslin investigators using DNA repository panels in accessing the corresponding clinical data and exporting them in formats compatible with genetic analysis programs. Additionally, core personnel provide extensive informal assistance with experimental design, choice of array type or sequencing approaches, and troubleshooting for both array and PCR analysis hardware and software issues.

New Services

1. Bioenergetics and molecular phenotyping: The Core houses an XFe96. This instrument can be used to analyze cultured cells, tissue explants, and whole blood samples though quantification of oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification (a surrogate for glycemic flux and metabolic flexibility).
2. Bioenergetics and molecular phenotyping: The Core houses an XFe96. This instrument can be used to analyze cultured cells, tissue explants, and whole blood samples though quantification of oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification (a surrogate for glycemic flux and metabolic flexibility).
3. Digital qPCR: The Biorad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System is now available! This ddPCR system provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based applications in a 96-sample format. Its high precision and sensitivity provides researchers with the following advantages over traditional real-time PCR: 1) Absolute quantification of DNA without the use of a standard curve; 2) Detection of rare DNA mutations and copy number variation; 3) Accurate gene expression analysis of low-abundant coding and non-coding RNAs; 4) Analysis of NGS library quantity and quality without the use of a standard curve. Equipment components include the QX200 Droplet Generator, QX200 Droplet Reader, PX1 PCR Plate Sealer, and C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler.

Coming Soon

• Single-cell analysis