Hope Center DNA/RNA Purification Core

The DNA/RNA purification core has recently acquired new instruments that allow the extraction of nucleic acids from a larger variety of tissues, at a higher throughput, and at a more competitive price.

The DNA/RNA purification core offers nucleic acid extraction from whole blood (large or small volume), buffy, buffy coat, saliva, buccal swab, blood cards, plasma, cultured cells, or tissue. DNA extraction is available from all of these biological samples, and RNA extraction is available from most as well.

We also offer DNA and RNA QC, low and medium throughput SNP genotyping (1-30 SNPs), APOE genotyping, Sanger sequencing, sample storage, DNA/RNA normalization, and DNA/RNA plating for transfer to GTAC@MGI (or another service provider) for genotyping or sequencing.

For a complete list of services and current prices please check the Current Fee Schedule

Service available to Washington University and other non-profit organizations.

Priority service for No distinctions.

Additional information:

The DNA/RNA purification core has  instruments that allow the extraction of nucleic acids from a larger variety of tissues, at a higher throughput, and at a more competitive price.

The DNA/RNA purification core offers nucleic acid extraction from whole blood (large or small volume), buffy, buffy coat, saliva, buccal swab, blood cards, plasma, cultured cells, or tissue. DNA extraction is available from all of these biological samples, and RNA extraction is available from most as well.

We also offer DNA and RNA QC, low and medium throughput SNP genotyping (1-30 SNPs), APOE genotyping, Sanger sequencing, sample storage, DNA/RNA normalization, and DNA/RNA plating for transfer to GTAC@MGI (or another service provider) for genotyping or sequencing.

For a complete list of services and current prices please check the Current Fee Schedule

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING SAMPLES

As of January 1, 2017 we are no longer accepting blood samples in glass tubes due to safety issues related to tube breakage.  Plastic collection tubes will be required for all samples.  Please see below for guidelines.

Please contact Kristy Bergmann (k.bergmann@wustl.edu) and fill out the Sample submission form before dropping off samples.

General notes

For best results, freshly drawn blood should be stored at 4°C for less than 4 days, or should be frozen at   -80°C on the day of collection if possible.  Samples should be submitted to the core within 1 – 4 days after collection for optimal results.  Samples at can be also storage at -20°C but for no more than 3-6 months.

All sample tubes should be labeled with a unique sample identifier, the PI name, and the date collected.

DNA/RNA will be returned in 2D barcodes tubes, unless a different tube is requested in advance.

Nanodrop information will be provided for all samples extracted by the Hope Center DNA/RNA core.

Whole Blood and buffy

Blood samples should be collected in PLASTIC TUBES, preferably EDTA (e.g. BD Vacutainer #366643 purple cap tubes). Collection in ACD (citrate, yellow cap tubes) is also acceptable. Please DO NOT USE GREEN CAP (Heparin) Tubes. Other plastic blood collection tubes are acceptable provided they meet the guidelines above.

Tissue and cell pellets

Tissue samples and cell pellets should be snap frozen on dry ice and stored at -80°C.  Samples should never be stored at -20°C as they quickly degrade.

Samples stored for more than 1 year or at less than -80°C may result in lower yield and quality of DNA.  Multiple freeze/thaws will also affect DNA yield and quality.

RESOURCES

Autogen FlexSTAR+ Automated Workstation

Large volume DNA samples (1 – 10 ml) are extracted on the Autogen FlexSTAR+ using proven Flexigene chemistry, a salt precipitation method that removes protein contaminants and enzyme inhibitors. The FlexSTAR+ platform is capable of high-throughput purification from large volume samples (1 – 10 ml) in ~ 4 hours (30 samples for 1-5 mL or 15 samples for 6-10 mL.)

Maxwell RSC 48 Automated Workstation

DNA or RNA are extracted from small volume samples (generally < 500mL) using magnetic bead-based purification chemistry. The Maxwell RSC 48 can process a large variety of input sources (blood, buffy, saliva, blood cards, tissue, buccal swab, plasma, CSF, cultured cells, and others).

Liquid handling workstations

The Biomek FXP liquid handling automated workstation enables high-precision pipetting, eliminating manual pipetting errors and ensuring consistent, reproducible results. The Biomek FXP includes a multichannel (96 head) and a Span-8 head. This increased efficiency and flexibility all allow high-throughput protocols.

Agilent TapeStation 4200 System (DNA/RNA Quality)

The TapeStation 4200 system is an established automated electrophoresis tool for DNA and RNA sample quality control.  DNA and RNA quality and quantity are assessed with the TapeStation 4200, which is able to run up to 96 samples in one run and provides both concentration and quality metrics (DIN or RIN). Fully automated sample processing enables the unattended analysis of size, concentration and integrity. The TapeStation system provides a complete solution for true end-to-end sample quality control within any next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Biobank workflow.

ABI3500 Automated DNA Sequencer

The 3500 Genetic Analyzer is an 8-capillary sequencing instrument specifically designed to support the demanding performance needs of validated and process controlled environments, while retaining the unsurpassed application versatility that life science researchers expect. The 3500 Series Data Collection Software supports sequencing and fragment analysis, and integrates seamlessly with downstream software for secondary analysis of genetic data.

Real-time PCR instruments

The Life Technology StepOnePlus Real Time PCR machine (96-well plate); a QuantStudio 12K Real Time PCR machine (384-well plate) are used for qPCR, allele specific gene expression, and SNP genotyping.

• Nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) extraction from a variety of sources including fresh or frozen whole blood, buffy coat, saliva, and frozen tissue and cell pellets
• DNA and RNA quality assessment (DIN and RIN, and next-generation sequencing library QC)
• DNA fingerprinting
• Sanger Sequencing
• APOE genotyping, as well as other SNP genotyping
• Real-time PCR (96, 384 and microfluidic cards)
• DNA/RNA normalization and plating
• Sample storage
• PBMC Isolation

• Autogen FlexStart+
• Maxwell 48 automated workstations
• Biomek FXP
• TapeStation 4200
• ABI3500
• Life Technology OneStepPlus Real Time PCR
• QuantStudio 12K Real Time PCR machine
• NanoDrop 8000
• Qubit

Please contact this core directly for pricing information.