Globin mRNA Reduction
Total RNA prepared from blood samples contains a significant amount of globin mRNA. The globin RNA reduces the sensitivity of microarray hybridization results, including decreasing the “Percent Present” calls and increasing signal variation. The Core uses the GLOBINclear kit from Ambion to offer globin reduction services.
Sample Preparation:
Please put samples in 0.5ml or 1.5ml tube, NOT PCR tubes, and indicate the species of your samples (Human, Mouse/Rat, etc.). The samples will need to be cleaned using the Qiagen RNeasy kit. We can perform this service by request for a small charge.
Concentration of your samples varies by project type:
Illumina Gene Expression
Concentration needs to be a minimum of 100ng/µl
Volume must be at least 25 µl
Affymetrix
Concentration needs to be a minimum of 500ng/µl
Volume must be at least 25 µl
We will confirm the quality and concentration of your samples on the bioanalyzer and Nanodrop before processing. Once globin reduction has been completed, the Core will measure your concentrations and re-run the samples on the bioanalyzer.
Order Submission:
Please submit the completed order form found here to genomics-core@cgm.northwestern.edu. Please include your chart string or PO number in your email.
Sample Submission:
Please label each sample individually with a barcoded label able to withstand -80C temperatures. If you do not have a barcoded label, please ensure that each sample has a label that is legible and firmly affixed to the sample.
Please freeze samples prior to packing, and ship with sufficient dry ice to ensure they remain frozen. This is to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination or degradation. We cannot accept samples for any study that have thawed or were not shipped frozen.
We recommend that you completely fill the shipping container with dry ice to minimize air space. We also recommend that you pack samples in cardboard freezer boxes placed in large plastic bags to protect samples from dry ice, and use dry ice pellets rather than blocks to avoid damage during shipment.
Include a packing list containing sample IDs, sample type, cell count (if applicable) and box number and position. Please forward an electronic version of this packing list as well so we can have a copy for our records.
There are several ways you may send your samples to the Core.
If you are from Northwestern and are on the Chicago campus, you can bring your samples directly to the facility:
Ward 9-144
303 E Chicago Ave
Chicago IL 60611
If you are from Northwestern and are on the Evanston campus, you can drop your samples off at one of the two courier locations in the Hogan Building, 2205 Tech Drive:
- Hogan 2-100, BMBCB administrative office
- Hogan 4-150
The couriers pick up the samples every morning and we receive them in the afternoon.
If you are not on Northwestern's campus, please send your samples through an independent carrier such as FedEdx or UPS.
Our mailing address:
Genomics Core
303 E Chicago Ave
Ward 9-144
Chicago IL 60611
Prior to shipping, please contact a technician to schedule delivery. At the time of shipping, please send an email notification with your express mail tracking number. This will allow us to watch for your shipment. We prefer that samples are sent overnight on Monday or Tuesday so that we can guarantee someone is here to accept them. We will notify you when your shipment is received.
Turnaround Time:
Results are generally delivered within 1-2 weeks following receipt of your samples, depending on project size.
Results:
After the service is complete, you will receive a username and password to view your results on our server.
Results will be delivered as an Excel file listing sample concentrations as well as a PDF file indicating sample quality to verify that globin had been removed.
