DNA Sequencing and Multilocus Genotyping Facility

The UPR Sequencing and Genotyping Facility provides high-throughput automated DNA sequencing services for the university using our state-of-the-art MegaBACE 500 instrument.  This capillary based instrument is capable of producing 96 quality sequences in as little as 2 hours. Once your sequences are finished, you may look at your results any time you wish via the web on our new FINCH server.

Other equipment available for use in the facility: 

• Li-Core Nen Global IR2
• Odyssey Infrared Imager
• Nanodrop Spectrophotometer
• Hydra II liquid handler
• Thermo Savant SpeedVac. 

The ability to perform genomic-level research at UPR-RP is also greatly extended with the addition of a core Microarray Facility. The facility was established under NIH-COBRE grant and is under the direction of Dr. Sandra Peña. The facility houses:

• Affymetrix GMS 417 Arrayer and GMS 428 Array Scanner for preparation of custom-designed glass and membrane cDNA arrays
• Bio Rad I Cyler Real Time PCR System for quantitative PCR
• Arcturus Laser Capture Microdissection System for excising specific cells for gene expression analysis.

In addition to the Sequencing and Genotyping Facility and Microarray Facility, the UPR-Rio Piedras campus has recently committed to the establishment of a centralized Bioinformatics Satellite Lab. The Bioinforrnatics Satellite Lab will form the nucleus of the larger Structural and Functional Genomics Initiative and will act as a data processing and education center for core research facilities. Approximately 600 ft2 of space has been allocated by the Biology Department. This space (JGD 207A) is centrally located and adjacent to the Sequencing and Genotyping Facility and directly above the Microarray Facility. The Bioinformatics Satellite Lab will house computers (and associated software), servers, and misc. small molecular equipment for data generation, processing, and analysis. It will be freely available to all researchers and students using the core research facilities, in addition, the lab will provide critical space for professional workshops and other learning opportunities. The lab will be outfitted with fast connections to UPR's BiRC and will work closely with researchers and staff at the BiRC and other software engineers to design and implement specific software and hardware solutions.

Please call or email Heather Helm or Manuel Ramirez for further information on pricing for sequencing/genotyping services, upcoming workshops, or general information on the facility.