Genomics Core Facility
The Genomics Core Facility (GCF) at Newcastle University underlines the University's drive to stay at the forefront of genomics research, at both the macro and single-cell level. The principle aim of the GCF is to support and deliver cutting-edge genomics research; from project conception and design, methodological guidance and technical resource, through to specialist single-cell bioinformatic support
The GCF will support the breadth of Newcastle University's research themes, drawing together research from other core facilities including flow cytometry (FCCF), proteomics (NUPPA), bioimaging (BIU) and computational biology (BSU), to carry out the innovative experiments associated with world class research.
The GCF is led by Dr Jonathon Coxhead, bringing over a decade of genomics experience, and is supported by dedicated technical and bioinformatic staff (Rafiqul Hussain and Dr Rachel Queen) who can provide a complete genomics service, training, guidance on experimental design and data analysis.
Facility location and Instrumentation:
In state-of-the-art laboratories, based within the Institute of Genetic Medicine (IGM), a major centre for the investigation of human disease and housed within a £40M purpose-built complex within the International Centre for Life, the GCF is ideally located to facilitate the university's genomic research objectives.
The facility has been designed from the ground up with single-cell sequencing and medium-scale genomics in mind, from cell isolation and preparation, using a Leica LMD7 and Fluidigm C1, through sample processing with Beckman Coulter automated liquid handling systems (Biomek 4000 and NXP), to next-generation sequencing utilising Ilumina's latest NextSeq 500s and an Illumina MiSeq.
In addition, to support discovery, screening and follow-up validation, the GCF operates requisite QC instrumentation (Agilent 4200 Tapestation, Agilent Bioanalyser and Thermofisher Qubit), a Fluidigm Biomark HD for production scale quantitative real-time PCR through-put and a Biorad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR for ultrasensitive and absolute nucleic acid quantification.
As a dedicated facility, our current instrumentation set-up allows for a high level of service flexibility, enabling us to rapidly shift between genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic sample analysis.
