The Genomics Unit is dedicated to providing high-quality genomics technology, service and support to the scientific community at the CNIC and beyond. The Unit, equipped with Agilent and Affymetrix microarray platforms, has extensive experience in array-based applications such as genome-wide gene (mRNA) and microRNA expression analysis, among others. With the advent of high throughput sequencing (Next Generation Sequencing) as an important technology in modern biomedicine, the Unit now provides massively parallel next generation sequencing on the Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx. Our core lab applies an established workflow for each sequencing project, including project consultation, sample quality check, sample library preparation and data generation. The Genomics Unit’s next generation sequencing services include gene expression and alternative splicing (mRNA-Seq), protein-nucleic acid association profiling (ChIP-Seq),and small RNA discovery (small RNA-Seq).

Other services include the maintenance and management of real-time PCR instruments (one AB 7000 and two ABI 7900HT machines), a TaqMan array processing service and user advice and training on topics related to the Unit’s activities (particularly experimental design). In addition to providing high-quality genomic services, the Unit performs its own research.