The UNCG Core Support Laboratory

What is it? The Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research (CBGHR) has established an operating core support laboratory to provide services to UNCG faculty members requiring or desiring assistance with DNA and RNA-based technologies.  The laboratory is equipped with an Amersham Megabace Sequencer with capabilities for high-throughput DNA sequencing and analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).  The facility is also equipped for semi-automated extraction and processing of human DNA (equipment provided by an equipment grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center), microarray processing and printing, and a variety of other procedures.
Why was it done? For many UNCG faculty, experiments at the DNA/RNA level may be essential to address important problems in their discipline.  This trend is likely to intensify in coming years. Outsourcing can provide bulk services cheaply, but many of our faculty, and their lab members, need consultation about experimental strategy, choice of reagents and kit alternatives, pitfalls and limitations, and regulatory issues, including OSHA (lab safety) and HIPAA concerns (for human subjects). 
How do I find out what services are available?  The CBGHR is directed by Dr. Vincent Henrich, a career molecular geneticist who has managed a research program at UNCG for 17 years. For initial inquiries and questions, please contact him by email at: vincent_henrich@uncg.edu
How does it work?  Based on your personal consultation with Dr. Henrich, a plan will be customized according to your needs and concerns for collecting samples, carrying out DNA analysis or manipulation, and returning the results to you.  If you choose, your students and staff can be involved in the process, or if you prefer, the core laboratory will handle the entire operation.  Price quotes for consultation, reagents, and time will be given in advance, along with an expected timetable.   The laboratory is managed by Josh Beatty, a former UNCG Master’s student who has published molecular biology work in major peer-reviewed journals.
What kinds of services are offered?  Typically, a researcher requires a mix of procedures to achieve an experimental goal, and our laboratory has the expertise to handle almost any individual or combined procedures to lead to a successful and timely outcome.  Our expertise includes:  DNA sequencing and alignment, SNP database searches and SNP testing, development and optimization of PCR amplification, sequencing, and PCR-based testing, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA and RNA extraction and purification, microarray analysis, RT-PCR for RNA, Western blotting, library construction and screening, vector construction, cell culture, and reporter gene construction and testing.  If you haven’t seen a procedure of interest here…check with us.  Chances are, we know it!
How can I be sure this is worth it?  References available on request…of course, just ask about your interest and decide for yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

Center for Biotechnology, Genomics & Health Research 
Hall for Humanities & Research Administration
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
1111 Spring Garden Street, Room 3701
PO Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 
Phone: (336) 334-4775 Fax: (336) 334-4794