Our Services
Newcastle University's bio-screening facility offers a number of services.
Sample Handling
Our set-up allows for the processing of large numbers of samples on a regular basis. This is particularly useful for clinical research projects with a constant recruitment of participants and collection of samples. We can help with a number of different processes, including:
Blood processing and blood cell separation
- PBMC isolation, buffy coats, PAXgene tubes, Cell Preparation Tubes (CPT)
- Plasma and Serum
- Pretreatment and conditioning
- (Vitamins: anti-oxidants, red cell preparation)
- Aliquoting
Sampling logistics
- Optimal and maximal usage of blood samples
- Suitability of anticoagulant (or not!)
- Phlebotomy requirements: blood volumes
- Timings
Coordination with Clinical Teams
- RVI/Freeman Labs, CARU, Nationwide
Sample tracking
- Labelling
- Barcoding
Genetic Screening
Human
The Human Dharmacon siGENOME Druggable Genome pooled siRNA library comprises RNA against ~7400 genes. The genes included in the library are considered to be potential therapeutic targets.
The library is conveniently arrayed in nine sub libraries for ease of running smaller more focussed screens. It is also possible to cherry pick libraries.
To ensure the integrity of mammalian cell based experiments, a dedicated mammalian only liquid handling system is housed within a sterile cabinet.
- G Protein Coupled Receptors
- Protein Kinases
- Ion Channels
- Phosphatases
- Proteases
- Ubiquitin Conjugation 1 - Cullins, E1, E2, HECT E3 Ligases
- Ubiquitin Conjugation 2 - F-box, SOCS box E3 Ligases
- Ubiquitin Conjugation 3 - RING finger and RING finger-like E3 Ligases
- Drug Targets- Includes genes involved with apoptosis, senesence, nucleic acid binding, autophagy, DNA repair, and characterized nuclear receptors
The Bio Screening Facility can also cherry pick bespoke libraries with any number of genes in 96 or 384 well plates.
Yeast
The Bio Screening Facility has access to the following yeast libraries:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Schizzosaccharomyces pombe
- Candida albicans
Drug Screening
LifeArc Drug Library
LifeArc (previously MRC Technology) is an independent life science medical research charity that partners with academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and charity organisations to move promising medical research forward into viable and accessible patient treatments.
LifeArc combine commercialisation and technology transfer/IP management skills with diagnostic and drug discovery expertise, specialising in small molecule and therapeutic antibodies. LifeArc have supplied the HTSF with 20,000 compounds for researchers to use.
Screening is completed within the HTSF with results being deconvoluted by LifeArc. Using the expertise provided by LifeArc, researchers can then take research further.
- FDA Approved collection: Compounds approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration - 4 plates
- Natural Products collection: Purified novel natural products from plants or fungi- 4 plates
- Kinase collection: Compounds predicted to inhibit kinases - 16 plates
- Index collection: Compounds selected as representatives of the full MRCT collection - 32 plates
Biomarker Analysis
A biomarker is defined as a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes as well as pathogenic ones. Here is where our strength lies, translating biologically relevant markers in research at cell/tissue level onto markers that can be measured and confidently assessed in humans or animals through methodological validation so that these biomarkers can be applied to wider areas of research.
The biomarker measurements, as well as the sample processing we provide are, in the majority of the cases, outside the routine measurements performed by hospital clinical/biochemistry labs.
- Novel biomarkers: from cell culture to humans
- Novel sources of material: from humans to animals
- Methodological validation:
- Detection limits, coefficients of variation
- Dilutions, sensitivity
- Epidemiological scaling: From single sample to 384-well plates.
- Protein assays:
- Serum/plasma/blood cells/culture supernatants
- Sandwich ELISA, 96-well and 384-well plate capability
- Oxidative Damage
- Enzymatic activity (e.g. telomerase)
- RNA and Gene expression analysis:
- RT-qPCR, 384-well capacity
- TaqMan Gene expression assays
- TaqMan MicroRNA assays
- DNA and Genotyping:
- Genotyping of Mice from Ear Notches (agarose gels)
- Genotyping by qPCR (inc. TaqMan™ Genotyping), ApoE, SNPs
- Telomere length by qPCR
Follow Up Processing
What would you like to do with the collected samples? Do you need to adhere to a multi-centre protocol? We can assist with:
DNA isolation
- Phenol/Chloroform
- Spin columns
- Blood samples
- Tissues
- Cell pellets
- Saliva swabs
- Blood spot cards
RNA isolation
- PAXgene tubes
- Fresh bloods
- Cell pellets
We also provide support for:
- DNA and RNA isolation from same blood sample
- Cryogenic conditioning of blood cells, cryopreservation
- Blood cells primary cell culture
- Cytokines: LPS -stimulation, blood cultures
- Flow cytometry
... and much more