DNA and RNA are molecules made up of a four-letter genetic code (nucleotides), a principle that is conserved across all living organisms. The human genome, encompassing the entire genetic code, comprises approximately three billion nucleotide letters; each person has two copies, one copy inherited from each parent.
Genomic technologies allow researchers to decode or count specific DNA and RNA molecules to find differences that exist between normal and diseased cells. Cancer is a genetic disease caused by mutations that are either inherited or acquired during life, genomic technologies are extremely powerful tools for discovering mutations in genes implicated in cancer.
Discoveries are being translated into new diagnostic and prognostic tests and are used to predict whether an individual will respond to a specific therapy. Such applications enable a more personalised treatment of cancer that increases patient survival and reduces the toxicity of cancer treatment on normal cells and tissues.
Research capabilities
The Molecular Genomics Core (MGC) works with researchers, clinicians and other research technology platforms to establish the best possible approach for any genomics experiment. Offering expertise on a variety of off-the-shelf products and implementation or customisation of new protocols to meet the complex demands of cancer research.
The Molecular Genomics Core platforms:
Illumina’s short read, SBS (sequencing by synthesis) DNA sequencing, is a mainstay of the current genomics landscape. With a focus on flexibility and meeting the varying needs of researchers at Peter Mac, MGC operates two small to medium sized Illumina DNA sequencers.
Available platforms
- Nextseq2000: Read lengths of 50-300bp, Flow yields of 100 million – 1.2 billion clusters
- Miseq: Read lengths of 50-300bp, Flow cell yields of 1-25 million clusters
Novaseq6000 sequencing is available through precinct partners on request
Accurate assessment of DNA and RNA quality and quantity is essential for all sequencing methodologies. Sample quality and quantity is assessed as part of the MGC library preparation service.
Available platforms
- Agilent TapeStation 4200 & 4150
- Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer
- Thermo Fisher Qubit fluorometer
MGC’s highly skilled team works with researchers and vendors to provide the most up to date library preparation solutions available. Molecular genomics are experts at generating libraries from both low yield and poor-quality DNA and RNA samples. Common sample preparation methods include 3’ RNA-seq, Ribo-depletion, Hybridization capture, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq and whole genome.
The MGC team have experience across the entire product range from 10x Genomics and have optimised protocols for the processing of frozen tissue to nuclei that are compatible with 3’ or 5’ gene expression, ATAC or Multiome chemistries.
Available platform
- Agilent Bravo (Option B): Automated liquid handler optimised for high throughput hybridisation capture using Agilent’s SureSelect chemistry.
- EpMotion 5075 TMX: A highly flexible, easy to use liquid handler that can be employed across a wide variety of laboratory tasks, from complex sample pooling to magnetic bead purifications.
The NanoString nCounter Analysis System enables the rapid and reliable analysis of nucleic acids at single-molecule resolution. The nCounter platform is used to study of differential gene expression in tumour specific panels of genes curated by Nanostring based on current literature. This technology is optimised for small amounts of input material and the use of heavily degraded RNA from archival formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples.
- Covaris Me220: Focussed ultra-sonicator for reproducible DNA/RNA/Chromatin shearing, protein extraction from FFPE and cell/tissue lysis
- Oxford Nanopore MinIon: Low yield long read DNA sequencing
MGC works alongside the Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy (CAHM) to facilitate the execution of the latest spatial genomics technologies.
Available platforms
In collaboration with the VCFG, MGC offers a plate based high throughput RNA-seq methodology know as MAC-seq. When combined with the high through put cell screening technologies of the VCFG, MAC-seq offers a unique opportunity to combine transcriptomics with phenotypic read outs.
Contact us
Use of the facility is available to external users by fee-for-service agreement, subject to availability.
For further information about booking the Molecular Genomics Core facility, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Acknowledgments
Molecular genomics has infrastructure funding from -
