The Genome Technology Access Center (GTAC) was established by the Washington University Department of Genetics to provide cutting-edge and cost effective sequencing and analysis technologies to local colleagues and external investigators. The GTAC offers fee-for-service sample preparation, data generation, bioinformatics analysis, and intellectual support for microarray, PCR, and high-throughput sequencing studies. We are committed to generating the highest quality data, maintaining rapid sample turn around times and providing excellent value added services and resources.
Services & Resources
The GTAC offers a portal to Washington University cores providing services related to genomic analysis, specifically:
- Next-generation sequencing - whether you are a novice or an expert in NGS sequencing technologies, GTAC can help you design a study, prepare DNA or RNA libraries, sequence samples, and analyze the data. See the Detailed Service Information.
- Microarray Analysis - at the discretion of GTAC clients, the microarray team can be involved in every step of a microarray project, and is equipped to run all major array formats including Illumina, Affymetrix, and Agilent. GTAC helps with study design, preparing samples, running the hybridizations, and can analyze the results. See the Detailed Service Information.
- PCR Services - A wide variety of PCR services are available to move your project forward on a high throughput level. GTAC offers PCR for SNP genotyping, qPCR to assess gene expression, single cell gene expression, or copy number variation, and digital PCR, as well as Illumina NGS library quantitation. See the Detailed Service Information.
- Study design, library preparation, bioiformatics annotation.
- Other consultative services
Statistical Genetic Analysis Core (SGAC)
The Statistical Genetic Analysis Core (SGAC) within the GTAC is directed by Michael Province, PhD and co-directed by Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD. This core relies on existing Washington University infrastructure, including the Genome Institute, the Center for Genome Sciences (CGS), and the Division of Statistical Genomics (DSG). The SGAC provides an easy entry point to the appropriate resources from these areas that can provide the services needed to support genetics research. Contact the GTAC for more information.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Core Facility
The iPSC Core Facility is part of the Tissue Culture Support Center within the WUSM Department of Genetics, and supports investigators in all aspects of the generation, maintenance, and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells. iPSCs have the potential to become any cell type within the body and offer several advantages to other types of human pluripotent stem cells. Most notably, iPSCs circumvent the ethical issues associated with the destruction of human embryos to generate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Additionally, iPSCs avoid the problems associated with immune rejection because they are derived from patient-specific cells, thus making them more attractive for regenerative medicine. Finally, iPSCs contain the genetic composition of the patients from whom they were derived and afford the opportunity to study diseases of known genetic disorders. Consequently, iPSCs hold great potential for the study and treatment of human disease. The iPSC core facility offers skin biopsy processing, iPSC generation and characterization, and cryopreservation, as well as training opportunities. Contact the iPSC for more information.