Functional Genomics Facility

The Functional Genomics Facility (FGF) exists to facilitate interdisciplinary gene function research. This is accomplished by providing researchers with: 1) access to new expensive instruments 2) training and support on the optimal uses of these technologies.

The FGF is located on the 2nd floor of CAST (Room 418). To gain access to the room and to use the equipment, you must first contact the head of the Facility: Valentina Gatta (v.gatta@unich.it).

The FGF provides in-house gene expression and mutation analysis services to researchers working in public institutes and private companies for the following applications:

• qPCR: A QuantStudio™ 7 PRO Real-Time PCR System, and GeneAmp™ PCR System 9700  and StepOne Real Time PCR System are available for booking. Runs must start according to online booking hours.
• QuantStudio™ 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System can be used for a broad range of real-time PCR-based applications through its multiplexing capabilities and interchangeable block formats. It is equipped with 96-well Fast, 384-well, or TaqMan® array cards block.
• High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis, for the detection of mutations and polymorphisms, can be performed by StepOne Real Time PCR System.
• Targeted Sanger Sequencing:  Targeted approaches by 3130xl Genetic Analyser focus on defined PCR amplification of specific regions, with confident variant detection. Facility staff can also assist researchers for preparing and analyzing specific DNA regions of interest. 
• Sanger sequencing of regions of interest could also be useful for confirmation of Next-Generation Sequencing results.
• 3130 Genetic Analyser is also available for Microsatellite marker analysis that involves PCR amplification of the microsatellite loci using fluorescently labeled primers that flank the repeated sequence. The labeled PCR products are then analyzed by capillary electrophoresis to separate the amplicons by size.
• Fragment analysis delivers the results you need for all of these investigations and many more: cancer research, plant research, cellular line and human identification, MLPA analysis.
• SNP genotyping identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are common DNA variants present across the human genome.

ELISA spectrophotometric analysis (Elisa Synergy H1, Elisa Spectramax 190 Nanophotometer) and PCR amplification can be conducted by FGF.

QuantStudio™ 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System

StepOne Real Time PCR System

7900HT Real-Time PCR System

Applied Biosystems™ 3130 Genetic Analyzer