image: This is the C1 single-cell system. view more
Credit: TGAC
The new technologies enable the advancement of nucleic acid research methods and open up new areas of biological enquiry for the Institute and wider science community.
Providing researchers with access to better genome assemblies (commonly limited by poor input DNA), and through low input and single-cell transcriptomics, to an unprecedented understanding of the biochemical changes within cells and how to model this. The low input and single-cell transcriptomic strategy has great potential in aiding multidisciplinary approaches e.g. cell biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry, virology, immunology, systems biology and eventually synthetic biology.
Working with low input amounts of DNA and RNA require specialist equipment, technical expertise, and precise quality control (QC) - especially to prevent and identify contamination. The selection of specific single cells is itself technically challenging, especially for the wide variety of species samples that TGAC (ww.tgac.ac.uk) deals with. In response, the Fluidigm C1 will facilitate demand through its unique automated microfluidic approach to single-cell research.
The Fluidigm C1 platform is a self-contained automated system that sorts a mixture of cells by size and creates sequencing libraries. It has a proven track record in vertebrate biology, and TGAC will use it to investigate at single cell resolution how the vertebrate immune system responds to antigens in order to improve vaccination strategies for farm animals.
The FACS-in-a-petri system provides flexibility across the range of projects and organisms on which TGAC works to select specific cells from a mixture outside the parameters possible with the C1. The Labcyte Echo 525 platform is able to dispense nanolitre volumes of reagents allowing the generation of libraries in small volumes which minimise costs while maximise yield.
These new resources will underpin a range of research projects harnessing the power of genomics, generating impact widely though many diverse user groups. Enhancements to TGAC's National Capability in Genomics supports the institute's goal to enable researchers tackling the global challenges of healthy ageing, food and energy security, sustainability and environmental change.
By offering widened access to the equipment in a multi-disciplinary approach, TGAC will not only further their own research impact, but also further enhance the capability and research incentives of other institutes in Norwich Research Park.
Tarang Mehta, Project Lead and Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Vertebrate & Health Genomics Group at TGAC, said: "It is fantastic that we have acquired such systems which will not only advance 'omics' technology development, but also serve as a valuable resource for studying key research questions associated with animal, human, and plant health and disease."
Matthew Clark, Plant & Microbial Genomics Group Leader at TGAC, said: "These technologies open up the opportunity to understand biology at increasingly high resolutions. My group is looking forward to using them to dissect plant immune transcriptional responses to biotic and abiotic stresses."
TGAC have also looked to enhance methodologies for genome sequencing and assembly of large genomes. Specialist DNA extraction protocols for the generation of long fragments can be expensive, difficult, require specific equipment and involve the use of cryogenics and hazardous chemicals. These requirements and the lack of trained personnel can lead to compromises on quality and delayed projects.
The Boreal Genomics Aurora will assist with DNA extraction required for the preparation of high quality, high molecular weight DNA libraries. It can rapidly size DNAs as large as 60kb and size select DNA molecules over 100kb to separate them from smaller fragments and inhibitory compounds.
The integration of systems can facilitate high-throughput DNA extraction through fast quantification, QC and precise size selection. For challenging samples, TGAC has also added alongside their suite of NGS technologies, a 3D scanner and printer combination to scan existing plasticware e.g. sample plates, magnet holders etc. and rapidly prototype new modifications that match TGAC's needs in DNA extraction.
Daniel Swan, Head of Platforms & Pipelines at TGAC, said: "The continued investment in cutting-edge platforms at TGAC means we are uniquely placed to address the challenges associated with complex genomics projects and we look forward to opening the platforms to the wider research community."
TGAC is strategically funded by BBSRC and operates a National Capability to promote the application of genomics and bioinformatics to advance bioscience research and innovation.
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Note to Editors
For more information, please contact:
Hayley London
Marketing & Communications Officer, The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC).
T: +44 (0) 1603 450107,
E: Hayley.London@tgac.ac.uk
About TGAC
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is a world-class research institute focusing on the development of genomics and computational biology. TGAC is based within the Norwich Research Park and receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) - £7.4M in 2013/14 - as well as support from other research funders. TGAC is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from BBSRC. TGAC operates a National Capability to promote the application of genomics and bioinformatics to advance bioscience research and innovation.
TGAC offers state of the art DNA sequencing facility, unique by its operation of multiple complementary technologies for data generation. The Institute is a UK hub for innovative Bioinformatics through research, analysis and interpretation of multiple, complex data sets. It hosts one of the largest computing hardware facilities dedicated to life science research in Europe. It is also actively involved in developing novel platforms to provide access to computational tools and processing capacity for multiple academic and industrial users and promoting applications of computational Bioscience. Additionally, the Institute offers a Training programme through courses and workshops, and an Outreach programme targeting schools, teachers and the general public through dialogue and science communication activities. http://www.tgac.ac.uk
About BBSRC
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around £467M (2012-2013), we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk
For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes