Molecular Core

Investigators are provided with or trained in the following services for CTSC approved protocols: DNA, RNA and protein extraction, genotyping, DNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, digital PCR, and Western blot analysis.

Services Offered:

• Nucleic Acid and Protein Isolation. The Molecular Core will extract nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) and proteins from pre-clinical and clinical samples. The concentration and quality of nucleic acids and proteins will be determined. These nucleic acids or proteins can be used by the investigator or further processed in the molecular core as requested by the investigator.
• DNA Sequencing:The core will design primers for PCR amplification, genotyping and DNA-sequencing, acquire the primers, genotype and/or sequence samples from your clinical and translational studies.
• Genotyping. A number of methods including TaqMan assays and complete DNA sequencing are provided for genotyping analysis in the core lab.
• Quantitative PCR and RT-PCR.To assess levels of nucleic acids, quantitative PCR with fluorescent TaqMan or SYBR Green chemistry is used. There are numerous applications, for example, assessment of the levels of virus in samples or comparing the expression levels of one or a few genes and the effects of treatments on those gene expression levels.
• Digital PCR: Digital PCR brings PCR analysis to a new level and makes new applications possible by enabling sensitive and precise absolute target quantification without the use of a reference or standard curve. Such applications include precise copy number variation (CNV); rare mutation detection; absolute quantitation of pathogens, nucleic acid standards and next-generation sequencing libraries; low level pathogen detection; and low-level fold change of gene expression.
• Western blot. The molecular core will perform Western blot for investigators using the CTSC. Western blot is a widely accepted analytical technique to detect specific proteins in protein samples. After separating protein samples by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the proteins are transferred to a solid membrane and stained with antibodies specific to a target protein. The signal is visualized by chemoluminescence or flourescence. Multiplex flourescence detection is also available. The immunoblot images and quantitation data will be provided to investigators.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.       What if my desired assay is not included in the online application list?

The investigator may contact Dr. He at 212-746-6534, or the lab director, and add the assay name in the free-text box in the online application system. The core laboratory will work with the investigator together to develop and validate new assays.

2.       Do you have services for next-generation sequencing and epigenomic analysis?

No, we do not provide these services. Our staff will refer you to the institutional Genomics and Epigenomics Core Facility (http://corefacilities.weill.cornell.edu/clc_genomics_epigenomics_core.html) for such services.  

3.       How should I initiate a request for core lab resource?

You need to submit an application in the WebCAMP online system to request the resource. Please click here to submit an application. If you have any question for application submission, please contact Pankaj Patel at 646-962-8154, or email pap9083@med.cornell.edu to guide you the application submission.

4.       How to submit specimens to the core lab? and how long it takes to get the result?

Once your application is approved, please contact Dr. He at 212-746-6534 to complete a core lab Assay Request Form to guide you how to collect and submit the samples. The core lab provides the flexibility for assay schedule and performance based on your scientific justification. Please contact Dr. He to discuss the details.

5.       How can I obtain the assay results?

When your assays are done, the results will be posted on our CLIMS online system, and you will receive an email informing you for the new assay results. You can click on the link and log in the system to view and download the results in Microsoft Excel format. If you have any question related to log-in the system or the data, please contact Dr. Glen He at 212-746-6534.