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The Multiplexed Gene Analysis (MGA) Core Facility is a collaborative effort between the Siteman Cancer Center and the Department of Pathology and Immunology. This shared resource facility provides investigators with access to high-throughput technologies for genetic analyses as applied to basic and translational research. Current technologies offered by the Core include:

• Affymetrix GeneChip® high-density oligonucleotide microarrays for gene expression profiling.
  The Core can create labeled hybridization targets from investigator prepared RNA, or directly from frozen tissues or cell samples. Investigators may provide their own labeled targets as well. Targets can be made from as little as 10 ng of RNA or 1,000 cells using robust, mRNA amplification methodology. Investigators may purchase arrays through the facility at Washington University negotiated prices. Whole genome expression arrays are available for human, mouse, rat, drosophila, yeast, and many other eukaryotic and prokaryotic model organisms. Custom designed Affymetrix arrays may be processed by the facility as well. All data generated by the facility is automatically transferred to the Bioinformatics Core for storage, annotation, and analysis.
  
  
• Affymetrix GeneChip® high-density oligonucleotide microarrays for Human genotyping, DNA copy number assessment, and LOH analysis.
  The Core can create labeled hybridization targets from investigator prepared DNA or directly from frozen tissue or cell samples. Investigators may provide their own labeled targets as well. Targets are created from 500 ng of genomic DNA. Investigators may purchase Human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays (10,000 SNP, 50,0000 SNP, or 100,000 SNP content) through the facility at Washington University negotiated prices. These arrays can be used for genotyping human DNA for association or linkage studies, and may also be used to assess DNA copy number and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumor samples.
  
  
• Quantitative (“Real-Time”) PCR.
  The Core maintains an ABI SDS7000 instrument for performing “real-time” PCR and RT-PCR analysis of DNA and RNA, respectively. Investigators provide reaction plates which are then processed by the Core. The SDS7000 instrument has a 96-well format capacity and is compatible with both primer / probe chemistries (i.e. TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays) as well as SybrGreen fluorescence monitoring. These methodologies can be used to validate patterns of gene expression identified by microarray analysis. The instrument can also be used as a moderate throughput method to detect mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA sequence. Resources for primer / probe design, reaction protocols, commercial suppliers, and assay troubleshooting are available.

For more information regarding the Multiplexed Gene Analysis (MGA) Core, visit their web site or contact the Core Director, Dr. Mark Watson.