Facilities and Labs

Robotics Laboratory

The Robotics Laboratory was established in 2003 to support the Functional Genomics Research Program directed by Dr. Russell Thomas. Large-scale gain-of-function and loss-of-function screens are being used in the Functional Genomics Research Program to dissect upstream and downstream cellular signaling networks and identify genes involved in determining susceptibility to environmental toxicants. Because of the scale and repetitive nature of these screens, laboratory automation is necessary to increase throughput and decrease human error.

Robotics

The Hamner has complete automation capabilities that allow all aspects of the laboratory process to be carried out in high-throughput. Full-length gene libraries are managed with a Genetix QBot, while plasmid DNA is purified and normalized using an MWG RoboPrep 2500 that is coupled with an MWG THEONYX. This system is capable of purifying and normalizing 800 plasmids in approximately 6 hours. Functional genomic screens as well as other genomic assays are performed in 384-well and 96-well plates using a BiomekŪ FX, which allows thousands of full-length genes and siRNAs to be screened in a single run. A Titertek Multidrop 384 dispenser for general cell and reagent addition, a Bio-Tek ELx405T microplate washer, and two PerkinElmer VICTOR2T plate readers are also used in the high-throughput screens. Planned future acquisitions are a DNA analysis system and a CellomicsT high-content screening (HCS) scanner.