Genomics Research Hub
We aim to facilitate rapid-turnaround, user-driven genomics analysis for researchers in BIOSI.
Groups across the BIOSI Divisions constitute a vibrant community of genomics research with particular expertise in metagenomics, de novo genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, chromatin mapping and epigenetics.
The Genomics Research Hub (GRH) provides equipment and technical support to allow BIOSI researchers to generate data for genome-scale or high-resolution analyses. We also aim to help researchers develop, or bring in-house, novel genomics methods when required. The GRH is equipped with a state-of-the-art Illumina sequencer with supporting technologies to facilitate input material processing, adaptor library preparation and library quality control. We are also soon to be equipped with real-time PCR platforms capable of supporting mutation detection and low-throughput relative target quantification experiments.
The raw sequence data that we generate are made available to users via the Illumina BaseSpace cloud architecture or an on-site server. Bioinformatic analysis can then be supported, if required, by the Biocomputing Hub. Together with the Biocomputing Hub, the GRH will also aim to facilitate communication and collaboration between users to allow effective exchange of expertise in experimental procedure and bioinformatics.
For enquiries about costing, advice on experimental design and options for manual and automated sample processing and library preps, please submit an enquiry.
Equipment
| Name |
Make/Model |
Details |
| Illumina NextSeq500 Sequencer |
Illumina NextSeq500 |
The sequencer can generate single or paired-end reads ranging from 75bp to 150bp in length (e.g. 1x75bp, 2x75bp, 2x150bp) |
| Illumina NeoPrep Library Workstation |
Illumina |
The NeoPrep is a microfluidics workstation that performs automated sequencing adaptor library preps on up to 16 samples per run, with a choice of 24 Illumina TruSeq indexes. |
| Covaris M220 Ultrasonic Sample Processor |
Covaris M220 |
A variety of genome analysis methods require input material to be fragmented to a precise size before Illumina library prep and sequencing. |
| Quality Control Technologies |
ThermoFisher/Agilent/Applied Biosystems/QuantStudio |
The GRH is equipped with a Qubit 3.0 fluorometer and an Agilent TapeStation. We also have Applied Biosystems StepOne real-time PCR and QuantStudio 3D digital PCR system. |
| HRM real-time PCR |
Roche/Qiagen |
2 x Roche LightCycler 96 instruments and a Qiagen Rotor-Gene Q 5plex. |
| epMotion5075 Pipetting Robot |
epMotion5075 |
The epMotion5075 is a fluid-handling robot capable of manipulating samples in various formats including microcentrifuge tubes, 96 well plates and 384 well plates. |
Processes
| Name |
Details |
| RNA-seq |
Complex mixtures of RNA molecules from cells and tissues are converted into cDNA and then subjected to Illumina NGS. |
| Genome sequencing |
The millions of short sequence reads derived from Illumina sequencing of genomic DNA fragments can be analysed in many different ways. |
| Metagenomics |
Complex mixtures of genomic DNA isolated from eco-system sources, such as gut bacteria or soil samples, can be sequenced, and metagenomic analysis performed to infer community structure. |
| Chromatin-seq |
Chromosomal DNA can be digested in vivo with exogenously-added nuclease enzymes such as micrococcal nuclease (MNase). |
| ChIP-seq |
Chromosomes are chemically treated in vivo to crosslink DNA and chromatin proteins. |