Overview
The Genomic Unit of Cogentech has 15-years of experience in Next Generation Sequencing applications and offers its know-how to support your research projects. We are equipped with state-of-the-art platforms and provide complete support for a range of applications including standard RNA sequencing, ChIP-seq, Whole-Exome Sequencing, deep sequencing of target regions and advanced single-cell-omics or spatial transcriptomics–based approaches. Our laboratory is experienced in supporting Clinical Trials.
Service
We provide professional support for the entire workflow of our customer’s research projects, from counseling on experimental design to functional interpretation of results. Support includes the identification of the most suitable methodology to achieve the experimental aim, quality control of nucleic acid, generation of indexed fragment library, sequencing according to experimental needs and bioinformatic support for selected applications. Customized protocols can be set-up as well. Sequencing data are delivered using a password protected user-friendly web interface.
Innovation
Our understanding of genome functions progresses at a fast pace, supported by the development of sophisticated NGS-based methodologies which are emerging faster than ever before. Staying updated with the latest innovations requires a constant effort. We strive to implement the latest and useful applications in genomics to keep our expertise updated and available to the scientific community. We support Oxford Nanopore sequencing, single cell omics applications using a 10X Genomics Chromium instrument and are available to support spatial transcriptomics projects.
Quality
The Genomic Unit has many years of experience in the field of genomic technologies. We implemented ultra-high-speed sequencing (NGS) activities back in 2008 with an Illumina Genome Analyzer II sequencer, and exploited them over the years through usage of Illumina HiSeq2000, MiSeqDx, and NextSeq550Dx sequencers, with the latter two currently in use. We perform quality controls throughout the entire workflow and we work according to the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Our applications and protocols are periodically updated to guarantee the highest performance. We are UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 certified.
UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 n. IT324391
Services
DNA
applications
- DNA-Seq
- ChIP-Seq
- Custom applications (ChIA-PET, ATAC-Seq, 16S, Hi-C, etc)
- Custom gene-panel sequencing
- Lowpass WGS
- WES (Whole-Exome Sequencing)
- Whole Genome Sequencing (small genomes)
RNA
applications
- mRNA-Seq
- totRNA-Seq
- smallRNA-Seq
Data analysis, Single Cell and more
FAQ
This is a list of most frequently asked questions regarding facility activities:
For any question or information you can write an email to genomicunit[@]cogentech.it
Our Genomic Unit offers a broad portfolio of applications for DNA, RNA, epigenetic, single cell approaches and bioinformatic support for selected applications. Please contact us for additional details.
We provide a full service, including flowcell and reagents. For specific needs, please contact us in advance.
Data analysis is offered for selected applications, at an additional cost.
We require extracted and purified RNA/DNA samples to start the processing.
Yes, we have special protocols for limited amount of starting material. Please contact us to identify how to meet your experimental needs.
We routinely perform QC on starting RNA/DNA, indexed libraries and sequencing.
Yes, we do. Details on library size, indexes used and a minimum library concentration of [2nM] should be provided. Normalized library pools are accepted as well.
Sequencing platforms currently used include Illumina NextSeq550Dx, Illumina MiSeqDx and Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
To minimize sequencing failure, we run a QC after every major step of your project. Unfortunately, sequencing can sometimes fail due to reasons (e.g. instrument malfunction, reagent formulation, technical error, sample issue). If our assessment indicates the failure is caused by our laboratory, we will repeat the analysis at no-extra cost.
We will contact you to discuss available options. If possible, a replacement sample can be submitted, otherwise we can still process the sample, at researcher’ responsibility.
All samples must be shipped at controlled temperature (RNA on dry ice, DNA at +4 °C). Please plan your shipment accordingly to avoid delivery after 5:00 pm on Fridays or on weekends. Shipments will not be collected at these times. It is your responsability to make sure that temperature control is guaranteed. If sample shipment crosses an extra-EU border, custom duties will be applied in the quotation. Our shipping address is: Genomic Unit c/o Cogentech Via Adamello 16 20139 Milano (IT)
Leftover samples will be stored for 6 months after processing, then discarded without prior advice. We can ship back remaining samples before that deadline, with shipping costs at your charge.
Raw data will be available for download in fastq.gz format using a password protected web-based delivery system. In case data analysis is included, additional results will be delivered in txt or jpg format.
Staff and Contacts
Simone Minardi
Simone Minardi graduated in Biological Sciences at 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 started developing this post-genomic approach at the European Institute of Oncology, before joining IFOM and later Cogentech to head the Genomic Unit.
Mirko Riboni
After graduation as a Biomedical Laboratory Technician, Mirko Riboni started to work in a research group at Tigem Milano in 1997, specializing in the use of Sanger method automatic sequencers and moved to IFOM three years later. Following the natural evolution of his career path, his activity continued in the Genomic Unit of Cogentech where, using next generation sequencing technologies, he helped supporting research projects over the last 15 years.
Claudia Valli
Claudia Valli graduated in Biological Sciences at the University of Milan in 2005. Then obtained a PhD in Cancer Pharmacology at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan. Driven by the passion for technological aspects of research, in 2009 she joined the Microarray Unit, now Genomic Unit, where she currently works as a senior technician.
Contacts
- Phone
+39 02 574303856 - Email
genomicunit [@] cogentech.it
