The Functional Genomics Unit offers the Agilent Technologies microarray platform, one of the most advanced microarray systems providing high quality and highly reproducible methodology. Agilent's microarray platform offers a wide range of applications to meet all researchers' needs: Gene Expression Microarrays, Comparative Genomic Hybridisation Microarrays (oligo aCGH), Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP-on-chip), Splicing Variant Analysis (SpliceArray), DNA Methylation (CpG Island Arrays) and MicroRNAs analysis (miRNAs).
In addition to the wide range of pre-designed microarrays, the Agilent platform allows the synthesis of any type of microarray, opening multiple possibilities for the study of any organism and sequence: Custom Microarrays.
The user can design their own array using the free software via the web eArray 5.0., and submit the design via the web to Agilent for manufacturing.
Enables the design of microarrays for gene expression, aCGH and ChIP-on-chip.
Another advantage of the Agilent platform is the possibility of choosing 4 different formats with different densities, including multiplex formats, in which 2, 4 or 8 identical arrays are synthesised on the same slide, allowing the simultaneous analysis of several samples.
The unit provides users with the necessary equipment and personnel for Agilent expression arrays.
For other applications, please consult the unit.
RNA Sample Quality Control (QC) Service
The Agilent Technologies 2100 Bioanalyzer is an industry standard for the quality control of RNA samples and replaced the gel electrophoresis analysis technique for this application and for SDS-PAGE DNA fragment and protein samples.
The software calculates the RNA concentration and two numerical parameters indicating RNA integrity: the ratio between 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA (28S/18S) and the RIN number (RNA Integrity number). The RIN parameter was introduced by Agilent Technologies in order to standardise the RNA integrity interpretation process and eliminate the bias associated with individual interpretation.
Agilent Technologies Expression Service
The equipment and personnel necessary to carry out any of the following steps are made available to users:
- Agilent Technologies labelling, hybridisation and washing reagents and protocols.
- Microarray scanning with Agilent G2565BA
- Image analysis and quantification of fluorescence data with the Feature Extraction vs. 9.5. software
- Preprocessing and standardisation of data.
The Unit also provides support and guidance for statistical analysis of results.
Protocols for sample processing by users must be as described in the Agilent manuals and samples must be sent to the Unit's laboratory according to the instructions described in the sending of samples protocol.
The user can select the most suitable array for their project from the arrays offered in the Array Catalogue.
Regarding the type of labelling, the Agilent platform allows a choice between two types: 1) two-colour labelling (Cy-5-Cy-3), in which the experimental sample is labelled with one fluorochrome and the reference or control sample is labelled with another and both samples hybridise on the same microarray; 2) one-colour labelling (Cy-3), in which all samples are labelled with the Cy-3 fluorochrome and the experimental and control hybridise on different microarrays on the same slide.
Platform for Sequencing and Functional Genomics
- Research Support Building (CACTUS)
- Rúa de Constantino Candeira, 1. Campus Vida , 15782Santiago de Compostela