Core Services
The DNA Sequencing, Viral, and Tissue Culture support cores provide specialized and widely utilized scientific procedures and services which facilitate research projects in the Vollum. They operate on a fee-for-service basis with charges designed to recover the cost of staff time and materials. An Illustrations core is available for assistance with manuscripts, slides, and posters.
Automated DNA Sequencing Core
The Vollum DNA Sequencing Core provides DNA sequencing services to the scientists at the Vollum Institute and to other research units and departments at OHSU on a fee-for-service basis.
We are currently using an ABI 3130XL sequencer, which is capable of running 174 samples in 24 hours. Samples may be dropped off at any time, but each day's runs are picked up at 10:00 am. General turn-around time is 1–2 days, when you will receive e-mail notification and your data will be made available online.
Using the Sequencing Core
Prepared samples may be left in our drop off refrigerator on the 4th floor of the Vollum. Please see detailed instructions in our handy User's Guide (PDF) below. The Vollum DNA Sequencing Core Request Form is available for both Vollum and non-Vollum users as a PDF form. Right-click (PC) or control-click (Mac) to download, or click to open the file in the browser window using Adobe Acrobat. The PDF can be filled out electronically using Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, or it may be printed and filled out by hand. Submit a printed copy of the completed form when dropping off your samples.
Contact information
Core Director: Travis Rogers
Phone: 503-494-7922
E-mail: dnaseq@ohsu.edu
Vollum DNA Sequencing Core User's Guide (44 KB)
Vollum DNA Sequencing Core Request Form (90 KB)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader software
VIRAL CORE
The Vollum Viral Core (VVC) specializes in the design, production, and delivery of high-titer lentiviral, retroviral, and rAAV particles. The VVC can design and produce custom viral particles or we can manufacture an existing virus that you are currently using. The core will also have stock lenti and retroviral particles expressing eGFP or mCherry that can be purchased inexpensively by the vial. In addition to the design and production of high titer viral particles, the facility will be equipped with a surgical stereotax that can be used to deliver your virus to the region of interest.
Biosafety: Before viral vectors can be provided, OHSU investigators must complete a Recombinant DNA Request Questionnaire (RDRQ) describing the gene inserts, host cell/animals to be used, biosafety practices, etc. and indicating that the viral particles are being generated by the VVC. This RDRQ must then be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Information for submitting a biosafety protocol at OHSU can be found on the IBC web site.
Costs: The Viral Core’s services are offered at a revenue neutral rate to cover time and reagents. Prices are listed on our Service Request Form. The VVC accepts OHSU Internal Budget Numbers, and costs for services are billed to the respective accounts.
NOTE: A $500 charge will be added to all off-campus orders.
Service Requests: Download the Vollum Viral Core Service Request Form (100 KB) and e-mail the completed form to vvc@ohsu.edu.
Contact information
Core Director: Eric Washburn
Phone: 503-494-5436
E-mail: washbure@ohsu.edu
Vectors: Map and sequence information for each vector is available as a Word document.
FUGW2.1 green lenti backbone (164 KB)
FURW2.1 red lenti backbone (148 KB)
pRUBI green retro backbone (148 KB)
redRUBI red retro backbone (144 KB)
Tissue Culture Core
The Tissue Culture Core stocks commonly used items such as media, supplements and transfection reagents for many standard mammalian and fly cell culturing protocols. Items are available for after-hours purchase and in conveniently sized aliquots. Large scale purchases ensure lot consistency for greater experimental consistency and cost savings. Contact the core manager for tissue culture advice and special orders for media or if an incubator or hood requires maintenance or cleaning.
Contact information
Phone: 503-494-2470
Email: vollumtc@ohsu.edu
