FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Sending samples
Q. How should I collect the biological replicates?
A. We recommend performing independent collections. Please pay attention to aspects like uniformity of genetic background, sample preparation, growth conditions, developmental stage, etc..
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Should I pool and then homgenise samples that have been collected in batches?
A. This would be helpful because it helps to reduce systematic biases and hence improve overall data quality.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. How much material do I need to send to you?
A. We typically require ≈40-50 µg total RNA per direct labelling reaction per microarray. We can perform labelling reactions with less total RNA when an amplification step is included. We are happy to perform pilot experiments to evaluate how much RNA can be extracted from the tissues that you are working with.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » How much tissue do I need?
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. How do you extract the RNA?
A. We extract total RNA using TRIzol.
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » Small-scale extraction
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » Standard extraction
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » Large-scale extraction
Q. How do you check the RNA quality?
A. We assess RNA quality by gel electrophoresis and optical density measurements.
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » RNA Quality Control
Q. Can I send you extracted RNA instead of samples in TRIzol and can I use an alternative extraction method?
A. You can send extracted RNA to us but we recommend dissolving the RNA in DEPC water and then sending it to us on dry ice. You should also forward a picture of the gel you ran to confirm the RNA is not degraded. Please also measure the RNA concentrations and add these data to the project excel sheet. We only recommend use of TRIzol for RNA extraction.
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » Standard extraction
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. What shall I do when I have more than 1000 ml TRIzol in my tubes?
A. Please state in the excel sheet how much TRIzol is in each tube. This avoids the risk of us adding the incorrect volume of chloroform during the RNA extraction.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
For more information: Protocols » Gene expression » Standard extraction
Q. Should I send my samples to you in one batch?
A. This would be better then sending samples to us as multiple batches because it helps to reduce confusion.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Will you accept tubes that have not been labelled according to your instructions?
A. We will accept the tubes only when we are able to determine what each sample is. Otherwise we will ask for more material to be collected and sent to us.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Can I label tubes with sticky labels?
A. You cannot label tubes in this way because these labels often fall off and we will not know what the samples are. You should only label the tubes with a permanent marker.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Will the sample pairings that I specify in the excel sheet be the sample pairings that you use when you perform the hybridisations?
A. Yes. We do indeed use the sample pairings that you specified.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Can I use my own names for each sample in the spreadsheet to make sure that when I get the results I will know which samples have been used for each hybridisation?
A. You can of course use your own names and these should be added to the excel sheet. You should also add a unique name to each tube and add these to the excel sheet.
For more information: Services » Gene expression » Preparing and sending samples
Q. Can you return any left-over RNA to me?
A. We can indeed return any excess RNA to you. Please let us know in advance that you would like us to return any excess total RNA and provide a full postal address.
