Eun-Gyu No
Service Director
979-458-0018
Lyndsey Torrez
Research Associate
979-862-1409
Mission Statement
The mission of the LGT is to provide service, instrumentation, infrastructure and expertise in molecular biology and genomic applications not only for IPGB laboratories but also other TAMU researchers. LGT runs Sanger sequencing service and genotyping service, the sole service provider on campus with a same day service, to all the laboratories on campus at a daily basis. LGT provides genomic sample preparation and technology development in genotyping and Nanopore sequencing complementary to AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service.
Service Provided
- Standard (Sanger) Sequencing Service
- The LGT introduced a capillary sequencing technology for the first time to TAMU scientific society. An enormous number of researchers working on molecular biology and genomics- related projects have used the sequencing service provided by the LGT for the last sixteen years. Recently many people involved in genome editing projects are also actively using the LGT-sequencing service. The LGT is a sole service provider for Sanger (standard) sequencing on campus. TAMU researchers take advantage of our sequencing service in terms of convenience, accessibility and hands on troubleshooting.
- Sanger sequencing is a powerful pedagogical tool. Students can gain a better understanding of various scientific components such as DNA and nucleotide structure, DNA synthesis, the stochastic nature of biological processes, the utility of visible chemical modifications (in this case, fluorescent dyes), and gel electrophoresis. The LGT has provided sequencing service for the TMA class with a priority. The LGT coordinates with the lecturer and demonstrates the operation of a sequencing machine to help students understand the dynamic processes of DNA synthesis and gel electrophoresis. The Sanger sequencing capacity in the LGT provides an excellent outreach service at TAMU.
- The LGT provides sequencing service to TIGM at cost price and to class at discounted price.
- Genotyping Service
- As a tool for genetic diversity analysis and marker development for marker assistant selection, the genotyping services such as AFLP, SSR and SNP have been provided by the LGT. Our Lab is a unique facility providing genotyping service on campus. The LGT has collaborated with multiple geneticists and breeders for over a decade. The genotyping work often requires many optimization in sample preparation and protocol. We provide the genotyping service tailored to individual researchers.
- Deep-Sequencing (Next Generation Sequencing)
- The LGT introduced deep-sequencing technologies such as Roche 454 and Illumina next generation sequencing technology to TAMU researchers and had provided the service for first three years. This technology was transferred to and currently operated by Texas A&M AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service.
- Nanopore Sequencing Service
- Oxford Nanopore sequencing is a new type of sequencing technology that operates very differently from traditional Illumina deep sequencing. There are two major advantages in using nanopore sequencing: decreased turnaround time and increased read length. Nanopore sequencing can be done in real-time, making it very useful for researchers who need results immediately, such as pathologists who need to identify a disease-causing pathogen. Additionally, nanopore sequencing makes it possible to sequence extremely long segments of DNA, compared to Illumina sequencing. Assembly quality can be greatly improved by using a combination of nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies. The LGT performs nanopore sequencing with many different plant pathogens such as Xanthomonas and Fusarium (collected from Texas cotton fields) to understand the disease and resistance in cotton. The LGT adapting to new nanopore sequencing technology can facilitate the development of pathogen resistant plant by forming a pipeline with IPGB and A&M AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service.
- Genomic DNA preparation (high quality)
- Recent effort for the purification of genomic DNA/RNA as material for genomic study focus on high throughput sample preparation. This often results in medium or low quality of DNA which is not good enough for input DNA for many deep sequencing experiments. Plants or fungal species contain phenolic compounds, polysaccharides and metabolites which cause to modify DNA structure permanently during extraction steps and prevent downstream enzymatic reaction. The LGT has many experience in high quality DNA purification. Recently, The LGT is also setting up the protocol to extract high molecular weight DNA (mega base long in size). This long DNA can facilitate to genome scaffolding, gab filling, and genome assembly in nanopore sequencing analysis.
- Technology Transfer
- As mentioned the above, the LGT has introduced many molecular and genomic technologies to TAMU scientific society. Some of the technologies has offered as a service. Others are transferred to researchers through formal (workshop and seminar) and informal (personal hands-on) training and consulting.
- Plant Cell Imaging Service with Confocal Microscopy
- We are in the process to set up a confocal microscope system with optimized features to eliminate the plant cell chlorophyll autofluorescence. This will be the only optimized confocal microscope for plant crop studies on campus.
- Instrumentation: total service agreements (30-40K)
- ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer
- Beckman DU-640 spectrophotometer, NanoDrop, PE Victor X3 Plate Reader
- BioRad CFX384 Real-time PCR Machine
- Spex SamplePrep GenoGrinder
- BioRad ChemiDoc XRS+, GelDoc XR+, Alpha Innotech Alpha Imager Mini Photodocumentation system
- Beckman Ultra Centrifuge XL-80, three JXN-26 Centrifuges
- Savant Speed Vac
- Branson Sonifier, Kodak M35 Developer and Others
LGT provides services to:
Over 73 PIs (drawn from over 23 departments, 6 colleges, and two agencies) across the Texas A&M System, 2 PIs from USDA and 2 PIs from private companies.