Gene Profiling Shared Resource

Gene Profiling Shared Resource

Nucleic Acid Isolation

Planning for sample submission

Before submitting samples to the core laboratory, please contact one of our staff to discuss requirements for sample preparation. If you are working with FFPE material, do not cut FFPE sections without consulting with GPSR staff; please contact Kristina Vartanian  or Chris Harrington for our FFPE RNA and DNA isolation guidelines. The core team is available to share their experience on working with multiple sample types and provide guidance on the specifics of optimal sample preparation for your study.

The GPSR provides nucleic acid extraction services for a large variety of sample types, including saliva, blood, FFPE specimens, fresh/frozen tissue and cultured cells. We specialize in Qiagen based isolation methods but also utilize other methods, such as TRIzol Reagent and Zymo Research based kits, depending on project needs.  We provide services for DNA only, RNA only, and DNA and RNA co-isolation protocols.

Many of the core-supported isolation procedures can be run on Qiagen automation robots available in the lab. Available platforms: 2 QIAcubes (up to 12 samples per robot) and a QIAsymphony (24-96 samples per processing run).  For multiple samples, automation-based processing provides an additional level of reproducibility while eliminating potential operator-to-operator variation. 

The GPSR also provides support for nucleic acid sample processing to remove contaminants from RNA and DNA solutions and to concentrate samples when required.

QIAcube Isolation Robot
Automated RNA/DNA Isolation using
Qiagen column based kits
QIAsymphony Isolation Robot
High-throughput automated
RNA/DNA isolation
QIAGEN TissueLyser LT
Provides fast, effective disruption of
up to 12 samples at the same time

Nucleic acid isolation and processing services

  • DNA (fresh, frozen, FFPE)
    • GPSR low throughput DNA isolation service (1-24 samples), includes standard Quality Assessment service (UV quantification and Tapestation sizing).
    • GPSR high throughput automated DNA isolation service from cells and tissue (24+ samples) is available at low, per sample cost, includes UV quantification. 
    • GPSR high throughput automated DNA isolation service from 2ml Saliva (24+ samples) is available at low, per sample cost, includes UV quantification. 
    • Isolation services using the Qiagen GeneRead DNA FFPE kit and Isohelix DNA Buccal Swab Kit recently added
      • Contact the core for details
  • RNA (fresh, frozen, FFPE, prokaryotic, eukaryotic)
    • GPSR low throughput RNA isolation service (1-24 samples) includes standard Quality Assessment service (UV quantification and Bioanalyzer sizing).
    • GPSR high throughput automated RNA isolation service from cells and tissue (24+ samples) is available at low, per sample cost, includes standard Quality Assessment service (UV quantification and Bioanalyzer sizing)
    • GPSR high throughput automated RNA isolation service from PAXgene RNA blood tubes (24+ samples) is available at low, per sample cost, includes standard Quality Assessment service (UV quantification and Bioanalyzer sizing).  This service is also available for blood samples collected in other tube types. Please contact us for more information.
  • RNA and DNA co-isolation
    • GPSR services available using Qiagen AllPrep kits and Zymo Quick kits
  • Processing for nucleic acid cleanup and/or concentration
    • To dilute and plate DNA samples for internal processing or shipment, please see the DNA Services Core for more information.

Support for biofluid-specific collection protocols

PAXgene blood tubes
Genotek saliva vials

The Core is currently running RNA and DNA Isolation protocols that use the following biofluid collection tubes:

  • PreAnalytiX collection tubes for blood preservation of both RNA and DNA. 
  • DNA Genotek collection vials for oral, fecal, blood, saliva, and sputum collection.
  • GeneFiX Saliva DNA Collection vials
  • Norgen Biotek saliva DNA collection devices (currently being tested)

The Core is available to consult on optimal collection protocols.  Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

For information on how to delivery or ship samples to the core laboratory, please see the Sample Preparation and Delivery instructions.