RNA and DNA Isolations and Gene Profiling Services

RNA and DNA Services is a unit of the IGL and includes all services and technologies formerly provided through the Gene Profiling Shared Resource and the DNA Services Core. We are located on OHSU Marquam Hill Campus in Richard Jones Hall, room 5330 and 5390. Our unit focuses on RNA and DNA isolation and evaluation, 10X Genomics single-cell cDNA preparation, real-time PCR and NanoString nCounter assays. We work closely with the other units of the IGL to provide support and services, from specimen processing through data generation and validation.  Training and access to many of the core's advanced technology systems is also available.

The Integrated Genomics Laboratory RNA and DNA Services unit is now directed by Robert Searles. Please contact the lab manager, Britt Daughtry, if you have any questions. Please submit service requests on our iLab site.

Please acknowledge support from the core in publications and presentations. 

  • Suggested text: "(Insert appropriate service or platform) were performed in the OHSU Integrated Genomics Laboratory"
    • Services/Platforms: Microarray, qPCR, or NanoString nCounter assays, DNA or RNA isolation services, RNA or DNA quality assessments.
  • The Integrated Genomics Laboratory receives support from the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30CA069533. Please acknowledge this grant in your publications.

Services we offer

Full service support for qPCR mRNA and microRNA expression profiling. Self-service use on both the Quantstudio qPCR systems and the Nanostring SPRINT Profiler.

Multiple single-cell and single-nuclei cDNA preparation options are available on the 10X Genomics Chromium Controller. This service is coordinated with the Massively Parallel Sequencing Shared Resource (MPSSR) for library preparation and sequencing.  To initiate service, please see the MPSSR's iLab site.

Full service support for targeted SNP genotyping qPCR assays. Self-service use on both the Quantstudio qPCR systems and the Nanostring SPRINT Profiler.

Support available for RNA/DNA isolation for sequencing, qPCR or other gene profiling and DNA analysis applications; automated protocols for QIAGEN spin-column and magnetic bead-based protocols, including for PAXGene Blood RNA tubes and FFPE samples. Services for co-isolation of RNA and DNA as well as RNA and genomic DNA clean-up services are also available.

RNA and DNA Assessment: Quantification, size, and/or quality assessment of RNA and DNA samples for targeted profiling and genotyping projects.

We offer a human cell line authentication (CLA) service that uses Promega's GenePrint® 10 system to confirm the identity of human cell lines through short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and to detect the presence of cell line contaminants. This service provides co-amplification and detection of 9 STR loci plus Amelogenin (the gender determining locus). 

We perform cell line authentication using a 48-capillary Applied Biosystems 3730xl DNA Analyzer.  Several levels of service are available to match your research needs. Please contact Alex Klug with questions or to provide feedback on CLA services.

  • Create custom DNA and RNA oligos
  • Order through the DNA Services core facility's IDT account via the iLab portal
  • Competitive pricing, free standard shipping
  • Next-day delivery on standard desalted oligos <60 bases

Create custom primers and probes for oligo and siRNA synthesis with excellent prices negotiated for our clients through Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT). All custom oligo orders placed through the DNA Services Core-IDT ordering portal. Discounted pricing are available for other products listed on the IDT website and ordered through the DNA Services Core. IDT orders will be shipped directly to the address specified by individual IDT account holders. 

For technical, scientific, ordering and billing questions, contact Britt Daughtry (daughtry@ohsu.edu) or Robert Searles (searlesr@ohsu.edu).

Please contact Robert Searles for:

  • Grant development and letters of support.

Please contact Britt Daughtry for:

  • Project design, cost estimates, and new service requests.
  • Guidance on collection and stabilization of tissue and biofluid samples.

Major equipment/technologies 

  • Life Technologies QuantStudio qPCR Systems for gene expression, genotyping, and more
  • NanoString SPRINT Profiler for nCounter® assays
  • NanoDrop One and 8000 spectrophotometers for nucleic acid quantification
  • SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader, a cost-efficient solution for high-sensitivity, high-throughput quantification of RNA and DNA samples
  • Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer & 4200 TapeStation for RNA and DNA sizing
  • QIAcube & QIAsymphony Sample Prep Robots for automated nucleic acid extractions
  • QIAGEN TissueLyser LT for tissue disruption
  • Eppendorf epMotion 5075 Liquid Handling Robot for sample and reagent aliquoting, and sample normalization and plating
  • Suite of custom and commercial software for data QA/QC and analysis

Announcements/News

  • Core leadership change as of January, 2024
    • Chris Harrington stepped down from her leadership role for the Gene Profiling Shared Resource and the DNA Services Core at the end of 2023.  Robert (Bob) Searles is now the director of both of these Integrated Genomics core units which have been combined into one operating unit and renamed RNA and DNA Services. All prior services, except for microarray profiling, will continue under Bob’s leadership.
  • Winter 2023-2024 Integrated Genomics Laboratory Newsletter
  • Reciprocal core rate agreement for five Oregon universities
    • Five Oregon universities participate in a reciprocal internal rate agreement for the use of research core facilities and shared service units for researchers among the institutions

Instrument access for trained users

  • QuantStudio 7 Flex real-time PCR Systems
  • Qiagen QIAcube Sample Prep Robots
  • NanoString SPRINT Profiler
  • 10x Genomics Chromium Controller
  • SpectraMax i3x plate reader

Access to these instruments may be scheduled through the Gene Profiling/RNA and DNA Services iLab website. 
(Training is required prior to use). If you require more information or assistance using the iLab ordering system, contact Britt Daughtry.

Please contact Britt Daughtry or Robert Searles for information or questions about core services.

Assay and technology highlights

Specializing in DNA isolation from human blood and saliva as well as RNA isolation from a variety of specimens including FFPE tissue. Process hundreds of samples a week, reduce isolation turn-around time as well as per sample cost with the added benefit of consistency and reproducibility. For more information, please see the High-Throughput DNA/RNA Isolation flyer, or contact Britt Daughtry.

Effective October 1st, 2024, microarray services are no longer offered by the Gene Profiling unit of the Integrated Genomics Laboratory. All microarray data from past project is archived in the the IGL's data storage system.

Several partnering labs offer Affymetrix (ThermoFisher) gene level whole transcriptome profiling at low cost.  For more information about which labs can offer this service please reach out to Britt Daughtry.

Educational Resources

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For RNA-Seq and DNA-Seq services, please visit the MPSSR website.

For study design and analysis support for expression, and genotyping studies, please contact the OCTRI Translational Bioinformatics Core or the Knight Biostatistics Shared Resource.

Assistance with design, sample preparation, and data analysis for epigenetics projects utilizing RNA-seq, DNA-seq, or Sanger sequencing is available through the KCVI Epigenetics Consortium.