The mission of the University of Virginia Genome Analysis and Technology Core (GATC) is to serve as a scientific educational resource and biotechnology hub enhancing the scope and quality of basic and translational research. The goal of the core staff is to enable Next Generation Sequencing projects for novice and experienced users, by providing education, and timely assistance in all facets of experimentation from project design and execution to data analysis and reporting. The core champions Scientific Rigor and Reproducibility at all stages of a project life cycle.

A multi-disciplinary team of specialists in human subject research data who support the School of Medicine’s research community across the globe. Together we work to provide innovative solutions and find the best tools, systems and processes to reach your research goals.

Core provides services and expertise in the areas of proteomics, metabolomics, small molecules, and molecular interactions. The staff can assist in data collection for experiments as well as provide help in experimental design and data analysis. Value added work such as grant writing and publication methods/figures is provided free of charge.

Offers manufacturing of cellular and biologics for safety and initial efficacy testing in first–in– human, pilot, and Phase I clinical trials. Facilitates bench–to–bed translation into novel cellular therapies. Provides focused scientific, technical, and regulatory support for investigator-initiated investigational new drug applications (INDs) in cell and gene therapy. Current and completed trials include hematologic malignancies multiple myeloma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and pancreatic cancer. The potential applications of cellular therapy and biologics are not limited to cancer, a large number of disease indications such as cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases, etc.

Promotes the expansion and enhancement of clinical research that incorporates exercise physiology and body composition into research questions. Offers measures of resting and exercise oxygen consumption, lactate threshold assessment, endothelial function, regional distribution of body fat, body composition assessment, anthropometry, and the use of acute exercise and/or exercise training as an intervention.

Core provides services to produce and preserve genetically engineered mouse strains for animal model research.Supports animal model research endeavors, to advance genetic and reproductive technologies for model creation and preservation, and to serve as resource for design, development and derivation of customized mouse strains.

Core specializes in imaging small animals and samples with variety of modalities depending on the investigator’s needs. These modalities include MRI, X-Ray CT, PET, SPECT, luminescence, and fluorescence. We work closely with the Radiochemistry Core Lab which can synthesize custom, targeted PET and SPECT imaging agents.

Provides access to high-quality novel and existing radiopharmaceuticals (radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, proteins, and antibodies), that can be imaged by Positron Emission Tomography (PET) method, to meet their preclinical and clinical needs. Radiochemistry core is Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) certified facility as required by the U.S. Pharmacopeia Chapter 823 and 21CFR part 212 and is BSL-2 certified facility to conduct research.

Core provides standard and customized research specific histology services including routine formalin fixation and paraffin embedding, and sectioning, automated Hematoxylin and Eosin staining as well as selection of manually prepared special stains and preparation of frozen section.

Facility has NMR spectrometers used to execute experiments typically used for structure elucidation and dynamics characterization of both small and large (ie. protein) molecules in solution. All spectrometers are connected to the internet. Data can be readily transferred for remote processing and the campus has a site license for Mestrenova NMR data processing and visualization software. Assistance is available for all who wish to use NMR spectroscopy. Advice on all aspects of solution NMR spectroscopy is available from the facility manager.

A biorepository of human specimens also offering advanced histology services: multi-color immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, tissue microarrays, slide scanning, computerized image analysis, NanoString spatial profiling

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility provides access to high quality, cost effective comprehensive flow cytometry services. By providing these services, as well as the scientific expertise necessary to effectively use this technology, the facility serves to enhance the scope and quality of scientific research.

With state of the art instrumentation, such as the Influx, Aria Fusion, and Sony MA900, the facility offers 4-6 way high-speed cell sorting and complex analytical services. The facility can offer high dimensional flow analysis with its two Aurora Full Spectral Cytometers capable of detecting up to 64 fluorescent parameters and its CyTOF 2 Helios mass cytometer with over 100 detectable channels. The flow core is equipped with several traditional flow cytometers 2-laser 4-color FACSCalibur benchtop analyzers as well as a 3-laser 5-color and a 4-laser 10-color analyzers, LSRFortessa with 16 fluorescent detectors, and an Attune NXT capable of 13 fluorescent parameters.
An ImageStreamX Mark II imaging flow cytometer combines the phenotyping abilities of flow cytometry with micrsocopy imagery. Other services include full sample prep and analysis for Luminex bead-based multiplex assays (100 IS and MAGPIX).

The Molecular Electron Microscopy Core (MEMC) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to high-resolution electron cryomicroscopy and electron cryotomography. It houses three electron microscopes, a 120kV Spirit, a 200kV F20, a 200kV Glacios, and a 300kV Titan Krios. These microscopes are available to researchers either for direct use, or aided by MEMC personnel, to collect data aimed at high-resolution structural biology projects.

Funding: The MEMC is supported in part by the School of Medicine and was built with NIH grant G20-RR31199.

In addition, the Titan Krios (SIG S10-RR025067), Falcon II/3EC direct detector (SIG S10-OD018149), and K3/GIF (U24-GM116790) were purchased in part or in full with the designated NIH grants.

The Advanced Microscopy Facility (AMF) is a state-of-the art microscopy service and shared instrumentation facility in the heart of the University of Virginia biomedical research community. The AMF provides expertise and instrument access for electron and light microscopy imaging technologies as well as image analysis tools and services for basic scientists and clinical researchers within the University of Virginia and across the Commonwealth.

Major DNA services are nextGen and Sanger sequencing of and microarrays. The Mass Spectrometry lab analyzes single and complex mixtures of proteins for identification and quantitation. Other services include chromatography and CD.

The University of Virgina's Genomics Core Facility is a burgeoning, fully equipped laboratory that strives to provide high-quality 454 GS FLX genome sequencing service at extremely competitive prices. We welcome customers from all areas of the life science research community.