High throughput genomics

The technology underpinning biology is advancing at an ever increasing rate. To remain competitive on a world stage UK researchers need access to the very latest technologies. Microarray technology is no exception. Microarray technology enables researchers to track thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of genes in a single experiment and hence make global comparisons of either different cell types or different phenotypes/genotypes. For instance, using microarrays we can discover why certain human races suffer a higher incidence of specific genetic diseases or why certain wheat varieties yield more than others. Recent advances in microarray technology have resulted in both cost reductions and increased throughput. The US-based organisation Affymetrix is the leading company in the high-density array (Genechip) market. Current Affymetrix GeneChip technology has resulted in higher density GeneChips and an increasing number of novel applications. The latest generation of GeneChips include the highest density 5um Exon and Tiling arrays, whole genome 500K mapping arrays as well as the latest targeted genotyping system incorporating Molecular Inversion Probe (MIPs) technology which is the most advanced array/genotyping technology currently available and enables the highest level of genotype multiplexing possible (~200,000 loci per experiment). Access to such resources would give researchers associated with the Bristol Transcriptomics facility a competitive advantage over researchers who do not. However, it is important to note that the Bristol facility is open to all researchers.

To take advantage of the latest Affymetrix GeneChip technology and to manage the higher density arrays and increased processing we require upgrades to our existing GeneChip Scanner 3000, fluidics station 400, computer work station and software. The upgrade would include: 1. Scanner: GeneChip Scanner 3000 TG Upgrade for 7G configuration and 4 colour 2. Computer workstations: Instrument Control, Pre-Amp and Post-Amp Workstation. 3. Software: GeneChip TG Analysis and GeneChip Operating Software 4 Fluidics: GeneChip Fluidics Station 450 (FS450) upgrade plus necessary script. 5. Service contract: System 3000 3 yr service contract. Although still suitable for the lower density 3' expression arrays, our current GeneChip Scanner 3000 is unable to scan at the required resolution to utilise the latest high density Exon and Tiling expression arrays and whole genome 500K mapping arrays. The four colour scanning component is required to facilitate research in the area of targeted genotyping and Molecular Inversion Probe (MIPs) technology. The FS450 upgrade and additional wash station is necessary for processing the latest gene chip arrays as well as having the advantage of being able to run unattended until completion thereby allowing the operator to attend other responsibilities, increasing workflow and throughput capacity in the lab. The Affymetrix GeneChip Scanner 3000 Targeted Genotyping system is the most advanced microarray analysis platform available. Upgrading our existing system will enable the Bristol Research Community and beyond to access the latest microarray technology that is available for both expression profiling and DNA analysis. The bid benefits from a substantial discount from Affymetrix on the standard list price (>31%; via our existing collaboration in the area of molecular inversion probe technology) and £10K contribution from the School of Biological Sciences.