Genome Technology Access Center at the McDonnell Genome Institute (GTAC@MGI)

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@MGI can help you design a study, prepare DNA or RNA libraries, sequence samples, and analyze the data. View GTAC’s website for more information.
• Microarray Analysis – at the discretion of GTAC@MGI 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@MGI helps with study design, preparing samples, running the hybridizations, and can analyze the results. View GTAC’s website for more information.
• PCR Services – A wide variety of PCR services are available to move your project forward on a high throughput level. GTAC@MGI 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. View GTAC’s website for more information.
• Study design, library preparation, bioiformatics annotation.
• Other consultative services

Services provided by four additional ICTS Genomic Medicine Program related cores are supported through the ICTS Just-In-Time Core Usage Funding program. Those cores are:

• Clinical Genomics Research Unit: The Clinical Genomics Research Unit is a full service state-of-the art research facility with CLIA and CAP accreditation, equipped with modern imaging stations, laboratory information system, chromosomal microarray facility and automated metaphase scanning. The Unit provides support for clinical trials/studies for which a CLIA/CAP environment is required as well as conventional metaphase karyotyping and a comprehensive menu of molecular cytogenetic methods (FISH, Chromosomal Microarrays) for human and mouse tissues (for example mouse embryonic stem cells, cancer cell lines, skin, peripheral blood, buccal cells, bone marrow etc). The Cytogenetics Core also provides consultancy on designing projects involving karyotyping, custom FISH probe design, and analyses of data from chromosomal microarrays. More information can be found on the unit webpage.
  • Contact: Complete the Cytogenetics Core Request Form. Email cytogenetics@path.wustl.edu with inquiries, or contact the core laboratory manager, Jane Bauer (jbauer@path.wustl.edu; phone 314-362-7819) for further information.
• Human Embryonic Stem Cell (HESC) Core Facility: A dedicated human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Core Facility has partnered with the WU Genome Engineering and iPSC Center to form GEiC and provide comprehensive services. Fully equipped tissue culture facilities combined with unique expertise enables WU investigators to initiate new projects and to gather preliminary data necessary for developing competitive NIH grant applications for continuation and expansion of these projects. Below is a list of core services:
  • Infrastructure: The hESC Core provides hESC tissue culture hood rental, with and without materials, reagents, and staff assistance for culture and expansion to a variety of differentiated cell types and embryoid bodies.
  • Assistance with IRB and ESCRO approvals: The Core can assist in preparation of support documentation for IRB and ESCRO protocols. Washington University provides Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Guidelines to support investigators engaged in human embryonic stem cell research, to assure the responsible conduct of human embryonic stem cell research and to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations through the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO).
  • Training: The hESC Core facility provides hands-on pluripotent stem cell training courses at the introductory and advanced levels.
  • Contact: Mariana Beltcheva, hESC Core Director at beltchevam@wustl.edu or 314-362-1428 for further information.
• Genome Engineering & iPSC Center (GEiC)
• Statistical Genetic Analysis Core (SGAC): The Statistical Genetic Analysis Core capitalizes on existing WU infrastructure in genetics, including the Genome Institute, the Center for Genome Sciences (CGS), and the Division of Statistical Genomics to provide comprehensive resources to support investigators engaged in genomics research. The SGAC assists investigators by providing statistical genetics input in experimental design, analysis and interpretation through general services such as protocol design, database development, and statistical analytics. The SGAC is directed by Michael Province, PhD and co-directed by Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD. Below is a list of core services:
  • Provide study design, power and sample size calculations, and pilot data analysis for ICTS clinical investigators preparing to submit grant applications involving genetic epidemiology or translational genetics studies.
  • Provide expertise as a coordination center for multi-institutional studies.
  • Support for statistical genetics methodology research, such as systems biology pathway analysis, meta-analysis, and combination of linkage and association scans through manipulating large datasets.
  • Reach out to clinical researchers and advertise the availability of statistical genomics collaborative opportunities through the Division of Statistical Genomics.
  • Conduct the Statistical Genetics Methods Forum seminar program to provide an opportunity for investigators to keep abreast of the latest methodologies.
  • Contact: Amy Sleeter, Project Manager, at asleeter@wustl.edu or 314-362-3945 for further information.

Email GTAC-MGI-list@email.wustl.edu for sample submission information or for consultation.

Service available to: All entities, including for-profit organization, with priority given to members of the ICTS and centers listed in Siteman Cancer Center.

Website: gtac.washu.edu
Email: GTAC-MGI-list@email.wustl.edu

GTAC Team