Technology Development Laboratory
Technology and applications development is an essential component of the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine vision. This group evaluates emerging, cutting-edge methods and instrumentation that improve current data production and analysis methods. A particular focus is improved sample processing, keeping up with the demands of increasing sample volumes while maintaining quality, reducing costs, and facilitating short turnaround times. In addition, the team transitions updated methods and new protocols to our clinical laboratory and genomics services groups. Finally, the team collaborates and supports research in the translational continuum to include protocol transition and clinical validation.
The Technology Development team works closely with Genomic Services and the Clinical laboratory and are experts in next generation sequencing (NGS) applications. We have access to the following sequencing instruments: Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (4), MiSeq (3), NovaSeq X+ (2), NextSeq 2000 (2), MiniSeq (2), iSeq 100 (1), the Singular Genomics G4 (1) and Pacific Bioscience Sequel IIe (1) and Revio (1) instruments. The Pacific Bioscience instruments allows the sequencing of large whole genome libraries (20kb) and full-length RNA (Iso-Seq) libraries. These sequence reads efficiently resolve complex genomic aberrations, identify gene fusion partners, and classify allele-specific isoforms. Other instrumentation includes the Bionano Saphyr (1) for mapping of high molecular weight DNA (250kb) allowing for assessment of large structural variation.
This group is well-versed in automation, including programming and workflow processes improvement associated with NGS applications. Current instrumentation includes the Hamilton Microlab Prep, and the Hamilton STARlet. Quality control instruments include the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100, Agilent TapeStation 4200, BioRad CFX96 Touch & CFX Opus 96, and Qubit nucleic acid quantification systems (II, III, and FLEX).
The group is actively researching method developments for low quality, low yield, and large molecule sequencing to aid in resolving the clinical odyssey seen in patients. An area of research under current development within the group involves the use of liquid biopsies to assess minimal residual disease (MRD). Conventional techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytology used for disease surveillance of central nervous system (CNS) tumors lack the sensitivity to detect low levels of MRD. Our group is developing a personalized, tumor-informed liquid biopsy assay to assess MRD using cell-free DNA and RNA extracted from CSF. The development of this assay includes evaluating cfDNA/RNA extraction methods, low input library preps, and deep targeted sequencing to support this new research opportunity.
Technology Development provides NGS advisement and training for our research faculty and junior scientists through one-on-one consultation and workshops.
Interested parties can contact Anthony Miller through email at Anthony.Miller@NationwideChildrens.org or by phone at (614) 355-6932.
The Technology Development team works closely with Genomic Services and the Clinical laboratory and are experts in next generation sequencing (NGS) applications. We have access to the following sequencing instruments: Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (3), MiSeq (3), MiniSeq (2), iSeq 100 (1), and two Pacific Bioscience Sequel IIe instruments. The Pacific Bioscience Sequel IIe allows the sequencing of large whole genome libraries (20kb) and full-length RNA (Iso-Seq) libraries. These sequence reads efficiently resolve complex genomic aberrations, identify gene fusion partners, and classify allele-specific isoforms.
This group is well-versed in automation, including programming and workflow processes improvement associated with NGS applications. Current instrumentation includes the Agilent Bravo, Beckman Coulter Biomek i7, Hamilton Micolab Prep, and the Hamilton STARlet. Quality control instruments include the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100, Agilent TapeStation 4200, Perkin Elmer LabChip GX II Touch HT, Agilent AriaMx, BioRad CFX96 Touch & CFX Opus 96, and Qubit nucleic acid quantification systems (II, III, and FLEX). Other instrumentation includes the iZon Science Automated Fraction Collector for small extracellular vesicle (sEV) isolation and the Spectradyne nCS1 particle size analyzer for subsequent characterization and quantification of isolated sEV.
The group is actively researching method developments for low quality, low yield, and large molecule sequencing to aid in resolving the clinical odyssey seen in patients.
An area of research under current development within the group involves the use of liquid biopsies to assess minimal residual disease (MRD). Conventional techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytology used for disease surveillance of central nervous system (CNS) tumors lack the sensitivity to detect low levels of MRD. Our group is developing a personalized, tumor-informed liquid biopsy assay to assess MRD using cell-free DNA and RNA extracted from CSF. The development of this assay includes evaluating cfDNA/RNA extraction methods, low input library preps, and deep targeted sequencing to support this new research opportunity.
Technology Development provides NGS advisement and training for our research faculty and junior scientists through one-on-one consultation and workshops.
Interested parties can contact Anthony Miller through email at Anthony.Miller@NationwideChildrens.org or by phone at (614) 355-6932.