Genomics Research Group

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Overveiw:

The genomics facility in Princess Haya Biotechnology Center provides access to advanced technologies that are beyond the reach of virtually any individual laboratory in the region. The facility is well equipped with state-of –the-art instrumentation that includes two ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzers purchased from Applied Biosystems Corporation, USA. This is an automated single-capillary genetic analyzer designed for a wide range of DNA sequencing and fragment analysis applications including comparative sequencing, linkage analysis, SNP detection, mutation detection, discovery and validation of base -pair changes in sequence, a range of forensic DNA applications and variety of other applications. DNA sequencing is performed on double stranded, PCR generated DNA and plasmid templates. Sequencing reactions are performed using the Applied Biosystems Big Dye Terminator V.3.1 and V.1.1 chemistries.

Amplification of specific DNA sequences is carried out using the BioRad iCycler. Qiagen plasmid DNA preparation kits are used to purify plasmid DNA samples and PCR products are commonly purified using Qiagen kits (i,e QIAquick) and assessed using the latest BioRad electrophoresis units. Mutations detection is one of our key strengths in the center. The BioRad DeCode universal mutation Detection system is commonly used for the screening of the mutation within specific gene including both SSCP and DGGE techniques. The facility also carries out gene-scan and variety of STRs-based applications including paternity and identity testing using the 16 loci identifiler kit supplied by Applied Biosystems. STRs-base linkage studies are also performed on a number of genetic diseases such as β-thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and familial Mediterranean fever.

 Also the center has Real-Time PCR (Stratagene MX-4000, USA). This unit offers the center the ability to perform sensitive, accurate and reproducible measurements of levels of gene expression. The machine can be used for a wide variety of applications including measurements of viral load, performing allelic discrimination studies, SNP analysis, mutational analysis, detection of chromosomal translocations and detecting mRNA splice variants. The open format of this machine allows researchers to work with a variety of fluorogenic probe systems such as Taq-man, molecular beacons and SYBR-Green probes. Currently, the Real-Time PCR is used for the quantitation and genotyping of infectious diseases such as, Hepatitis B, C and Cytomegalovirus and for mutation detection for different genetic disorders. 

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