MicroArray Services

The Genomics Core Laboratory provides comprehensive services and resources for the gene expression analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip Technology. Available instrumentation includes an Affymetrix GCS 3000 7G scanner, two GeneChip Fluidics Station 450 and two GeneChip Hybridization Oven 645.

A computer workstation has software for statistical analysis and bioinformatics of genomic data. Other resources include support for RNA preparation, experimental design and bioinformatics for genomic data reduction, analysis and interpretation.

MicroArray Services Pricing

Name of service, description and price (Note: Non-UK clients pay list price plus 10 percent):

RES HT ARRAY/PICO WT PROTOCOL, Affymetrix HTA array plus Pico WT processing, $609.85

RES GENE ARRAY/PICO WT PROTOCOL, Affymetrix gene array plus Pico WT processing, $556.00

RES EXTRA GENE ARRAY, Affymetrix gene array only, $225.00

RES EXTRA HT ARRAY, Affymetrix HTA array only, $299.00

RES MIRNA PROCESS & ARRAY, Affymetrix miRNA array plus processing, $375.00

RES MIRNA PROCESS ONLY, Affymetrix miRNA processing only, $190.96

RES 3' IVT PROCESSING, Affymetrix 3' IVT processing only, $290.00

RES WT PROCESSING, Affymetrix WT processing only, $294.00

RES PICO-WT PROCESSING, Affymetrix Pico WT processing only, $331.00

RES BOVINE GENE 1.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix bovine gene 1.0 array plus processing, $525.00

RES C.ELEGANS GENE 1.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix C. elegans gene 1.0 array plus processing, $525.00

RES HUMAN GENE 1.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix human gene 1.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES HUMAN GENE 2.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix human gene 2.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES MOUSE GENE 1.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix mouse gene 1.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES MOUSE GENE 2.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix mouse gene 2.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES RAT GENE 1.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix rat gene 1.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES RAT GENE 2.0 ST ARRAY, Affymetrix rat gene 2.0 ST array plus processing, $525.00

RES HUMAN HTA 2.0 ARRAY, Affymetrix human HTA 2.0 array plus processing, $599.00

RES MOUSE MTA 1.0 ARRAY, Affymetrix mouse MTA 1.0 array plus processing, $599.00

RES RAT MTA 1.0 ARRAY, Affymetrix rat RTA 1.0 array plus processing, $599.00

Instructions for Submitting RNA Samples For MicroArray

Submit cellular total RNA extracts (100ng in 5-10 ul RNase-free H2O or buffer) in sterile, RNase-free microfuge tubes.

  1. In general, 50-100ng high quality cellular RNA is needed to obtain sufficient quantity of labeled-cRNA using WT-protocol, for hybridization to GeneChip arrays. 
  2. Cellular RNA less than 5ng will be labeled using WT-pico protocol.
  3. For miRNA arrays, submit 0.5-1.0ug cellular RNA in 10ul RNase-free H2O. 

The core facility staff does not extract and prepare RNA from cells or tissues.

Note:  The quality of the RNA is essential to the overall success of the GeneChip analysis. Since the most appropriate protocol for the isolation of RNA can be source material-dependent, we recommend using a protocol that has been established for the tissues and cells being used.  Or if you do not have an established protocol, we suggest using one of the commercially available kits designed for RNA isolation, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Good quality RNA has been obtained using the kits listed below:

  • Total RNA preparation from cells:  QIAGEN's RNeasy Total RNA Isolation kit.
  • Total RNA preparation from tissues:  Invitrogen Life Technologies' TRIzol reagent.

What Is MicroArray Analysis?

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). CMA is a new laboratory test used to detect chromosomal imbalance at a higher resolution than current standard chromosome or FISH techniques.

A sample of DNA from the individual to be tested and a control DNA sample are arranged in a particular order (array) on a glass slide. Fluorescent dyes are attached to the DNA samples. These slides are then placed in a special scanner that measures the brightness of each fluorescent area.

This process looks for identification of a change in DNA copy number. These changes in DNA copy number may represent changes seen in the general population that do not cause genetic diseases. However, some changes in copy number may indicate a chromosomal abnormality, such as a chromosomal imbalance, loss, or gain. Types of chromosomal abnormalities may include small chromosomal rearrangements, small duplications of chromosomal material (trisomy), or small deletion of chromosomal material (monosomy).