Overview
We perform gene expression profiling on total RNA, miRNA, mRNA from cells or tissues from human, mouse, rat and other species.
We perform genomic analysis on human samples for molecular karyotyping, copy number variation or genotyping, using high density Affymetrix® microarrays.
Service
We provide full support to research projects starting from the experimental design up to the analysis of the data. Our workflow can be integrated with customized amplification and labeling protocols to allow optimal analysis also in those cases where the starting material is limited or partially degraded (FFPE samples).
Innovation
We periodically revise our protocols to guarantee the highest performance. We implement new applications as soon as they become available to always keep in pace with technological advancements.
Quality
Our laboratory has been working with microarray technologies since 1999. We perform quality control on all samples during the entire workflow, and provide results according to MIAME guidelines. We are UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 certified.
UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 n. IT324391
Services
Gene Expression
- Standard gene expression analysis
- Detection and quantification of splice variants
- Analysis of lincRNA
- Analysis of mature miRNA and pre-miRNA
- Special protocols for little starting material
Genomic Analysis
Cytoscan for genomewide analysis of:
- Copy Number Variation (CNV)
- Precise breakpoint mapping
- Loss of heterozygocity (LOH)
- Long contiguous stretches of homozygosity (LCSH)
- Uniparental Disomy (UPD) and Mosaicism
Oncoscan for genomewide analysis of FFPE samples:
- Copy Number Variation (CNV)
- Somatic Mutation Analysis of Cancer Genes
Data Analysis
- Fold-change of differentially expressed genes
- Enrichment/GO analysis
- Reporting of genomic findings
- Statistics
- Data Visualization
- Annotation
FAQ
This is a list of our most frequently asked questions regarding the work-flow of the facility:
You can write to us at genomicunit[@]cogentech.it for any question or information.
Generally we ask you contact us (genomicunit[@]cogentech.it) to discuss your needs and define the experimental outline. Based on this, our administration will send you a commercial offer. Upon acceptance of the offer and receipt of the request form we can start processing your samples.
Our facility offers a full service, which includes arrays and reagents. If however you prefer to buy your own arrays or reagents, feel free to do so.
We work with all array types available from Affymetrix. If you already know what you need you can go directly to the Affymetrix website and choose your preferred array. If you are unsure which is the best array type please contact us and we will guide you through the selection.
Yes, we can offer you the data analysis for an additional cost.
No, we accept only RNA/DNA.
For Gene Expression Profiling: at least 500 ng of total RNA resuspended in 10-30 μl of RNase-free water, we highly recommend Dnase treatment to avoid contamination with genomic DNA.
For miRNA Analysis: at least 1μg in 10 ul of RNase-free water.
For Whole-Genome Copy Number Analysis: at least 500 ng of genomic DNA resuspended in 10-15 μl of nuclease-free water.
Yes, we have special protocols for little amount of starting RNA. Please contact us to discuss how to best meet your experimental needs. genomicunit[@]cogentech.it
We evalutate RNA quality on an Agilent Bioanalyzer.
You can download our request form with detailed instructions here.
All samples must be shipped at a controlled temperature (RNA on dry ice, DNA at +4 °C). Please plan your shipment in a way to avoid delivery after 5:00 pm on Fridays or on weekends. Shipments will not be collected at these times. It is your duty to avoid that during transport or in storage samples remain at an uncontrolled temperature.
Our shipping address is:
Cogentech
Microarray Service
Via Adamello 16
20139 Milano
Leftover samples will be stored for 4 months, after which they will be discarded. We will be happy to send you back your remaining samples before that deadline, but shipping costs will be at your charge.
You will receive an email with a link from which you can download the results files. Raw data will be available as .CEL files. In case you asked for data analysis, these results will be delivered in txt or jpg format.
Please contact us at genomicunit[@]cogentech.it.
Staff and Contacts
Simone Minardi
Simone Minardi graduated in Biological Sciences from the University of Pavia in 1997. After two years at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan, he decided to focus his energy on a new technology, the microarrays. He starts developing the new post-genomic approach at the European Institute of Oncology, before joining the IFOM and later Cogentech to head the Microarray Service Unit.
Mirko Riboni
Mirko Riboni after a Diploma Universitario in Biomedical Laboratory Technician, began in 1997 to work at the Tigem in Milan in a research group specializing in the use of Sanger method automatic sequencers to move to IFOM after three years.
As a natural evolution of the career path, the activity continues in the Genomics Unit, which using the new generation sequencing, NGS, supports the research groups of the institute for over 10 years.
Claudia Valli
Claudia Valli graduated in Biological Sciences from the University of Milan in 2005. During the next years she acquires the PhD in Cancer Pharmacology at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan. Driven by the passion for research technical aspect, in 2009 she joined our Microarray Unit, now Genomic Unit, where she currently works as a senior technician.
Contacts
- Phone
+39 02 574303856 - Email
genomicunit [@] cogentech.it
