Major Equipment

The Illumina MiSeq Desktop Sequencer is a compact, all-in-one next-generation sequencing platform incorporating cluster generation, paired-end fluidics, sequencing by synthesis chemistry, and data analysis.  The MiSeq system enables a broad range of applications and is ideal for focused applications such as targeted gene sequencing, metagenomics, small genome sequencing, targeted gene expression analysis, and more. The system in GSL is compatible with Illumina’s sample preparation methods which prepare input DNA or RNA for applications such as whole-genome sequencing, targeted region resequencing, transcriptome analysis, and expression profiling. The sequencing process takes place on a single flow cell and multiple samples can be run on the flow cell in parallel by using unique indices for each sample.  The system in GSL can run both MiSeq V2- (up to 15 million reads) and V3-sequencing reagent kits (up to 25 million reads).  Data management is streamlined with a connection to Illumina’s genomic computing environment, BaseSpace.

The Illumina NextSeq 500 system is a desktop next-generation sequencing (NGS) system that uses Illumina’s reversible-terminator sequencing by synthesis chemistry.  The NextSeq 500 integrates cluster generation, sequencing by synthesis, and base calling into a single NGS system.  The NextSeq 500 is a high output next-generation sequencing system which is scalable (up to 800 million reads) and can be adapted to perform applications ranging from mid-throughput to high-throughput sequencing applications such as exome, whole genome and transcriptome sequencing runs.  Data management is streamlined with a connection to Illumina’s genomic computing environment, BaseSpace.

The Chromium Controller is a reagent delivery system designed to partition cells or long DNA molecules and uniquely barcode each partition. The Chromium system is used to partition 1,000s of single cells to characterize cell populations via gene expression profiling or partition DNA molecules (>100 kb) to fully resolve genic phasing, reveal structural variation and detect variants in complex regions of the genome.

The Biomek robotic workstation is outfitted with two independently programmable arms and has space on the work deck to accommodate 16 microtiter plates at a time.  One arm is outfitted with a 96 tip head allowing pipetting in 96 well and 384 well formats.  The second arm is outfitted with a Span-8 head that allows 8 channel pipetting with variable spacing for transfer of samples from tubes to plate configuration.  A bar code reader allows the robot to identify plates on the deck and organize pipetting.  This workstation, which is housed in a dedicated room, is used for pre-PCR sample manipulations including organizing working stocks in plate formats, normalizing concentrations of DNA samples and setup of reactions.

There are two of these 8 channel liquid sample handling workstations in the GSL.  The workstations are specifically customized for use with the Illumina genotyping system and are fully outfitted with all necessary accessories for processing genotyping, expression, or methylation arrays.

Illumina’s iScan is a dual laser fluorescent scanner dedicated for reading Illumina arrays.  The model in the GSL is outfitted with a robotic autoloader that allows for unattended loading and scanning of arrays.  The iScan reader is essential for reading high volume genotyping projects, i.e., those typically requiring more than 384 SNPs, as well as Illumina whole genome expression or methylation arrays.  The iScan is typically used with standard arrays for whole genome analysis, custom arrays for mid to higher plex genotyping or methylation (i.e., greater than 384 sites) can also be designed and run on the iScan.