The sequencing core facility at IMB (SCF) was established to promote the advancement of research in diverse fields such as genomics, personalized medicine, and environmental sciences and foster collaborations between researchers across multiple institutions. CSF provides researchers with access to high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies and related services. These facilities offer a range of sequencing services, such as library preparation, sequencing, data analysis, and bioinformatics support, that may be too expensive, technically challenging, or time-consuming for individual labs to perform.
Services offered at SCF include Agilent Bioanalyzer DNA and RNA Quality Assessment, NGS/Nanopore DNA/RNA library Prep and Sequencing, qPCR Assays, and Sample Preparation (DNA and RNA). The list of currently available services can be found here.
What equipment is available at SCF:
DNA/RNA isolation
- Promega Maxwell RSC. The Maxwell RSC Instrument is a compact, automated nucleic acid purification platform that processes up to 16 samples simultaneously. Using prefilled cartridges and preprogrammed methods, the Maxwell RSC offers consistent, reliable DNA or RNA extraction in 25–60 minutes, depending upon sample type.
DNA/RNA/NGS Library QC
- Agilent Tape Station 4150. A critical tool for sample quality control (QC). The TapeStation system ensures precise and reproducible DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, providing high-resolution electrophoretic profiles for assessing sample integrity before sequencing.
NGS library prep
- Eppendorf Mastercycler nexus gradient. The versatile PCR thermal cycler offers gradient functionality, allowing for the optimization of annealing temperatures in a single run. The device ensures reliable and consistent PCR results and is suitable for a wide range of applications in molecular biology.
- Biorad CFX-96. A powerful real-time PCR instrument, the CFX-96 offers accurate and rapid quantification of nucleic acids, making it an essential component of our QC and validation workflows.
NGS sequencing
- Illumina NextSeq 2000. A high-performance sequencer, offering scalability and flexibility for a wide variety of sequencing applications. With its ability to deliver up to 1.2 billion reads per run, the NextSeq 2000 provides cost-effective, high-throughput sequencing for large-scale projects.
- MinION Mk1b. A portable sequencing device enabling real-time, long-read sequencing. With MinION, we provide unparalleled flexibility for smaller projects, especially those requiring real-time analysis or long-read sequencing for structural variant detection, isoform resolution, or de novo assembly.
Bioinformatics Data Analysis (in collaboration with the Armenian Institute of Bioinformatics)
- Variant Calling
- Differential expression analysis