Genomics Research
The School of Biosciences is home to a vibrant community of genomics researchers, with particular expertise in metagenomics, de novo genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, chromatin mapping and epigenetics, viral and Single cell workflows.
Our Genomics Research Hub acts as a focus for this community, with linked technology platforms across the college that support user-driven, next-generation sequencing for a wide-range of users and applications including:
- small genome assembly
- genome re-sequencing
- metagenomics
- RNA-seq
- ChIP-seq
- chromatin-seq
- ATAC-seq
- 10X scRNA-seq 3’ with/without feature barcoding
- 10X scRNA-seq 5’ with immune profiling with/without feature barcoding
- 10X mulitbiome analysis transcriptome and ATAC-seq
We provide full training and technical support for all our equipment and workflows and can support researchers in developing novel genomics methods as needed.
The Genomics Research Hub facilitates communication and collaboration between users to allow effective exchange of expertise in experimental procedure and bioinformatics.
Equipment and services
The Genomics Hub 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 will also soon offer real-time PCR platforms capable of supporting mutation detection and low-throughput relative target quantification experiments.
Users can access any raw sequence data that is generated via the Illumina BaseSpace cloud architecture or an on-site server.
Library Prep and Sequencing
Overview
The Genomics Hub is equipped with state-of-the-art sequencing platforms with supporting technologies to facilitate input material processing, adaptor library preparation and library quality control.
We provide a full support from sequencing ready-made libraries to full library prep from your purified RNA/DNA.
The Hub houses three Illumina sequencers an Illumina Nextseq 500, two Illumina Miseq systems and can run the Oxford Nanopore MinION/Flognle system.
We are able to facilitate deeper sequencing through access to the Novaseq 6000 which can generate up to 3000 Gbp of data.
We offer options for broad range of library preparation workflows including accessing10X genomics single cell technologies, housed in the Hayden Ellis Building.
This offers researchers the ability to interrogate samples for their specific requirements from Agrigenomics to rare and genetic diseases utilising techniques as diverse as miRNA analysis to methylation studies to metagenomic workflows.
All sequencing projects need to be discussed in detail with us in advance. We will provide advice with experimental design, training with specific workflows and signpost bioinformatic support.
How to book
To obtain further details regarding available workflows and applications please contact us at Biosi-GRH@cardiff.ac.uk.
Cost
Project costs will be discussed with each user and a quotation provided on a project basis.
Fluorometric and absorbance based detection of DNA/RNA and protein
Overview
The GRH offers solutions for fluorescent detection of DNA, RNA, protein and other analytes and has options for users to carry out luminescent assays and absorbance based studies.
- Our Invitrogen Qubit 4.0 Fluorometer is the newest model in this series using dye specific assays to detect DNA, RNA and proteins and can also target other analytes using custom design protocols.
- The BMG FLOUstar Omega an automated microplate reader that can perform fluorescent, luminescent and absorbance-based assays. It has a wide range of applications from DNA/RNA measurements to ELISA assays, enzymatic assays, and FRET
For External Users
Must have a formal, funded collaboration with Cardiff University research group.
RNA/DNA fragment Size and quality analysis
Overview
The Hub has facilities to analyse the fragment size of DNA and RNA for quality control purposes.
- Our Agilent 4200 TapeStation system offers automated and scalable sample processing using a screen tape technology for DNA and RNA.
- The size of DNA fragments can be determined from 35bp-5kb with input concentrations ranging from 10pg/ul-50ng/ul and for genomic sized DNA up to 60 kb with inputs ranging from 5-300ng/ul
- RNA quality is calculated automatically through the embedded software producing a RINe score. The input concentrations range from 500pg/ul-500ng/ul
- The QIAxcel Advanced System performs fully automated separation and analysis of DNA and RNA fragments according to their molecular weight and can process up to 96 samples without user intervention.
- DNA fragments can range between 15bp-10kb with concentration inputs between 100pg/ul - >100ng/ul
- RNA analysis includes RNA quality RINe score from total RNA with input concentration of between 50-1000ng/ul
For External Users
Must have a formal, funded collaboration with Cardiff University research group.
Covaris M220 Ultrasonic Sample Processor
Overview
A variety of genome analysis methods require input material to be fragmented to a precise size before Illumina library prep and sequencing.
Our Covaris M220 Ultrasonicator provides consistent ultrasonic shearing for nucleic acids and can also be used to process cellular material for ChIP analysis.
For External Users
Must have a formal, funded collaboration with Cardiff University research group.
epMotion5075 Pipetting Robot
Overview
The epMotion5075 Pipetting Robot is a fluid-handling robot capable of manipulating samples in various formats including microcentrifuge tubes, 96 well plates and 384 well plates. The robot is available for the development of high-throughput genomics sample processing protocols.
For External Users
Must have a formal, funded collaboration with Cardiff University research group.
Real-Time PCR
Overview
Our Roche LightCycler ®96 Instrument is a real-time PCR system offering Mid-throughput solutions for gene expression analysis, gene detection, mutation detection, methylation analysis, miRNA research, and relative quantification of target genes.
For External Users
Must have a formal, funded collaboration with Cardiff University research group.
For more information on the Genomics Hub, please contact:
Find out more about the Genomics Research Hub including equipment specifications and how to make an enquiry.
