Microarray laboratory
Combining an extensive research program with exceptional service, NRC’s Microarray Laboratory manufactures high-quality DNA microarrays for academic and research groups worldwide, as well as private Canadian companies. We also offer protein microarrays and assist clients with experimental design and data analysis.
The lab’s combination of services, equipment and expertise is distinctive in Canada. Established in 1999, our lab is the oldest in Montréal to produce spotted microarrays, and the only facility in Canada licensed to manufacture and distribute R&D chips in collaboration with Génome Quebec. Our multidisciplinary team also assists researchers involved in NRC genomics projects. We are open to different types of client arrangements, from fee-for service to extensive collaborations.
Members of the Microarray lab and the Genetics group were also key players in the assembly and annotation of the Candida albicans genome, and produced the first non-commercial Candida microarrays, which are used by researchers around the world.
With the current state of technology, up to 50,000 probes can fit on a DNA microarray or gene chip – a specially treated microscope slide on which DNA molecules are printed in microscopic arrays.
The increasing numbers of completely sequenced genomes make it possible to manufacture DNA microarrays that represent all the genes of an organism.
Our team has developed microarrays for many applications, including:
- Cancer research and diagnosis (i.e. tumour classification)
- Infectious disease research
- Detecting E. coli bacteria in food
- Environmental science, such as detecting waterborne pathogens
Our scientific team at NRC’s Microarray Laboratory uses microarray technology in its research program, giving us an edge in understanding the intricacies of microarray and experimental design.
Services we offer:
- Custom design and printing of novel microarrays from oligonucleotides or DNA fragments, and advice on microarray design
- Production of protein microarrays (antibody, reverse-phase, antigen)
- Microarray hybridization, scanning and data analysis services
- Experimental design advice
- Training in the fabrication of microarrays, cDNA labeling, hybridization, scanning and data acquisition
- Bioinformatics support and access to databases for expression profiling
- PCR amplicon generation and quality control
Complementary services
- High-throughput amplification and purification of PCRs
- Robotic transfers from 96 to 384-well plates for the purpose of dilutions or propagation of libraries
- Access to the BRIDNA database, a free webbased application for the management of samples to be represented on microarrays
Our expertise
- Manufacture of spotted DNA and protein microarrays for R&D
- Experimental design
- Data analysis
Equipment
Our state-of-the-art equipment includes:
- Three DNA microarrayers equipped with 48-pin print-heads with “quill” pin technology
- Two confocal fluorescent microarray scanners
- A Biomek FX automated, robotic workstation for liquid handling
- Two hybridization stations
- An Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 to assess the quality of RNA samples
Contact
Eileen Raymond
Telephone: 514-496-6349
Email: Eileen.Raymond@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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