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Blizard Institute - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Genome Analysis

Next generation sequencing

Next generation sequencing technology can be used to generate gigabases of random short sequences from any DNA or RNA template. Our Centre adopted Illumina (formerly Solexa) technology early in 2008. We are able to provide both targeted and high volume sequencing applications utilising either the MiSeq or HiSeq platforms.

We have a range of library preparation protocols that can be applied to different scales of experiment; Fluidigm access arrays for small, targeted analysis, through Agilent Sure Select for larger custom regions and Exome sequencing and a simple, no enrichment protocol for sequencing whole genomes. The table below gives some more detail, please contact the centre manager to discuss project design.

TechnologyTargetMethodologyMaximum level of MultiplexingSequencing instrumentSample requirement
Fluidigm, AccessTMArray Up to 144Kb (Multiplexed 480 PCR amplicons) High Throughput Multiplexed PCR on a microfluidic platform 1032 MiSeq 200 ng at 50ng/µl
Agilent, Sure SelectXT 0.5Mb to 24Mb 120mer RNA baits for sequence capture 96 MiSeq or HiSeq 5µg at 50ng/µl
Agilent, SureSelectXT Human All Exon 50Mb (exome plus) 120mer RNA baits for sequence capture 96 HiSeq 5µg at 50ng/µl
Illumina, TruSeq 3,000 Mb No selection 16 HiSeq 5µg at 50ng/µl

Our service includes all process steps from receiving DNA through to delivery of QCed FastQ formatted files.

Short Tandem Repeat genotyping and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis

Monika Genome CentreGenotyping of microsatellite or Short Tandem Repeats (STR) has been used extensively for a variety of standard genetic approaches. Fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide primers are used to PCR amplify loci before electrophoresis and detection on the Applied Biosystems 3730xl DNA analyzer. Loci can be multiplexed on both size (up to 500bp) and by dye colour to allow up to 20 loci to be analysed simultaneously.

The Genome Centre offers a flexible range of services for microsatellite or STR genotyping, including assay design, sample amplification, electrophoresis and analysis. We are also able to support MLPA assays, either self-designed or purchased direct from MRC-Holland. Our quality assurance tool ensures genotyping and interpretation accuracy.

  • Custom Panels – Bespoke panels of markers have been designed to successfully map Mendelian traits and to study population genetics; for example the mating patterns and speciation events in Eukaryotes
  • Human Identification Panel – A Panel of 16 loci (the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler® panel from ABI) distributed throughout the genome enables accurate individual identification. Can also be used to confirm cell line identity
  • Sex Identification Panel – The AmpFlSTR® Yfiler® panel of 17 loci from ABI enables the unequivocal gender identification of human samples
  • MLPA

Discuss project plans and costings with our centre manager on 020 7882 2055 or email at c.a.mein@qmul.ac.uk.

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