Research Bench Lab

MCW Mellowes Center Facilities & Equipment

Integral to the Mellowes Center’s mission is provision of services that directly benefit MCW faculty through education, research development, and professional growth. To that end, we utilize and maintain instruments to process samples, assess sample quality, advance research, and develop new technologies.

We have established a Research Resource Identification number, RRID:SCR_022926, to track Mellowes Center supported publications and identify available instrument resources.

Mellowes Center Facilities

The Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine occupies a 20,000 sq. foot facility on the 5th floor of the Health Research Center (HRC) within MCW. These facilities have modern design, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert personnel to allow the efficient implementation of next generation sequence methodologies and analyses to Cancer Genomics, Non-Cancer Clinical Genomics, Pharmacogenomics, Epigenomics, Molecular Pathology, and Rare Diseases.

Mellowes Center facilities description for use in NIH and other grant applications (PDF)

Mellowes Center Equipment

The laboratory is equipped with instrumentation to automate, streamline, and miniaturize the processing of samples. This includes next generation sequencers from Illumina and Oxford Nanopore, robotic equipment for nucleic acid extraction and library preparations, NanoString scanners to process panel-based assays, Diagenode bioruptors for chromatin fractionation, and automated Chip-based methodologies. Likewise, the Mellowes Center’s Bioinformatics Unit can perform primary, secondary, and tertiary analyses of the ‘Omics methodologies using clusters within the MCW research computing facility.

Additional information and proper citation method (PDF)

Mellowes Center equipment description for use in NIH and other grant applications (PDF)

Sequencing Equipment

To facilitate global understanding of ‘Omics changes in the DNA, RNA, and other aspects of cellular and biological systems, the Mellowes Center utilizes several next generation sequencing and digital counting instruments.

Mellowes Center team working with NovSeq6000
all
Illumina NovaSeq

The NovaSeq 6000 is a state-of-the-art, high output sequencer that can generate ~20 billion paired end sequencing reads in less than 48 hours. Maximum flow cell capacities are 24 WGS samples at 30x depth, 500 WES samples at 100x depth, or 400 whole transcriptome samples at 50M reads per sample.

RRID:SCR_020150

Learn more about the NovaSeq 6000

Illumina MiSeq

On a smaller scale, the Illumina MiSeq generates up to 20 million reads, making it perfect for smaller capture panels, microbe sequencing, or testing sample quality.

RRID:SCR_020134

Learn more about the Illumina MiSeq

NanoString nCounter

The NanoString nCounter system delivers highly reproducible expression data on 800+ targets with zero enzymatic steps using a simple automated workflow. The technology uses unique optical barcodes that hybridize to each target oligonucleotide to enable digital counting of individual mRNA or miRNA transcripts. This technique can accommodate low input and highly degraded sample RNA. Off-the-shelf gene expression panels are available that cover a wide variety of species and biological pathways.

Oxford Nanopore GridION & P2 Solo

Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing is the only sequencing technology that enables direct, real-time analysis of short to ultra-long fragments of DNA or RNA. Long read sequencing can span the entire length of repetitive regions, resolve structural variants, and differentiate between different isoforms.

Learn more about GridION

Learn more about P2 Solo

Pacific Biosciences Sequel

PacBio long read sequencing utilizes the SMRT seq methodology and allows for comprehensive sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes. Using an immobilized DNA polymerase complexed with the template DNA, long read sequencing can resolve structural rearrangements and determine the length of repetitive regions though read lengths over 10,000bp.

Learn more about PacBio Sequel Systems

Library Preparation & Liquid Handling Systems

To increase efficiency and reproducibility in workflows, the Mellowes Center employ several robotic instruments during the library preparation process.

Members of Mellowes Center research team
all
10x Genomics Visium CytAssist

The 10x Genomics Visium CytAssist is a compact instrument designed to simplify the Visium workflow by facilitating the transfer of transcriptomic probes from standard glass slides to Visium slides. Spatial profiling insights can be gained from an expanded range of FFPE samples. Pre-screen the tissue sections and then use the instrument for precise manual alignment of tissue section to Visium Capture Areas making the most of your spatial discovery studies.

The Mellowes Center has access to a 10x Genomics Chromium Controller that partitions and barcodes single cell suspensions. Powered by Next GEM technology, molecular insights in heterogeneous samples can be resolved and enable integrated analysis of complex biological systems.

Perkin Elmer SciCLone

The Perkin Elmer SciCLone is utilized for complex library preps and other sophisticated laboratory procedures. With a fully customizable deck layout, the SciClone provides the throughput and reproducibility needed for comprehensive research studies.

RRID:SCR_020394

Perkin Elmer Zephyr

The Perkin Elmer Zephyr is a lower-throughput liquid handling robot suited for lab activities such as AMPure washes and qRT-PCR plate setup.

RRID:SCR_018616

Diagenode IPStar

The Diagenode IPStar is a liquid handling robot that automates several steps of the Diagenode ChIP-Seq procedures, from cross-linking and cell lysis, through immunoprecipitation and library prep.

Automated Extraction & Cellular/Molecular Disruption Systems

To extract nucleic acids, the Mellowes Centers has established several standardized and automated protocols.

Mellowes Center team member working with equipment
all
Miltenyi gentleMACS Octo Dissociator

The Miltenyi gentleMACS Octo Tissue Dissociator is a benchtop instrument, equipped with eight individual heating units, for fully automated and standardized tissue dissociation and homogenization of up to eight samples.

RRID:SCR_020271

Learn more about the Miltenyi gentleMACS Octo Dissociator

Qiagen TissueLyser II RNA/DNA Purification

The Qiagen TissueLyser II provides medium- to high- throughput disruption of tissues and other specimens for use with follow-up procedures such as DNA/RNA isolation. Different sizes of steel beads are available based on sample type and tissue size.

RRID:SCR_018623

Learn more about the Qiagen TissueLyser II

Diagenode Bioruptor Nano & Bioruptor Plus

Diagenode Bioruptor Plus/Nano Systems are able to complete DNA or chromatin shearing protocols for ChIP-seq with volumes from 50uL to 2mL. Utilizing different tube sizes, wavelength intensities, and exposure times nucleic acid samples can be reliably and consistently fragmented.

Learn more about Diagenode Biorupter systems

Promega Maxwell RSC

With the Promega Maxwell RSC low throughput nucleic acid extractions (RNA and DNA) are completed from many different specimen types. Individual kitted reagents, minimal setup time, and relatively short run time allow for the extraction of DNA and RNA in less than two hours.

Learn more about the Promega Maxwell RSC

Perkin Elmer Chemagic 360

For high-throughput robotic extractions, the Perkin Elmer Chemagic 360 can isolate DNA and RNA from up to 96 samples at a time. Using magnetic bead technology, nucleic acid is efficiently extracted from blood, buccal swab, saliva, plasma, tissue, and many other specimen types. Interchangeable, quickly-connected rod heads allow for a range of specimen volumes, up to 5mL.

RRID:SCR_020394

Learn more about the Perkin Elmer Chemagic 360

Sage Science BluePippin System

The Sage Science BluePippin allows for the separation of DNA fragments through pulsed-field electrophoresis and size selection of high molecular weight DNA up to 50kb. The platform features the ability to collect narrow and even fragment distributions, as well as wide ranges of fragments with minimal effort. For long-range genomic applications, high-pass filtering allows users to collect all fragments above a size threshold set by the user. The target sizes or ranges of sizes are entered in software and fractions are collected in buffer with up to five (5) samples run per gel cassette.

RRID:SCR_020505

Learn more about the Sage Science BluePippin System

Sample Quantitation & Quality Metrics

To ensure the highest sample quality and quantity is available, we take advantage of several resources to assess the parameters of each sample.

Mellowes Center fragment analyzer
all
Bio-Rad Opus 384

The BioRad CFX Opus 384 is the primary qRT-PCR system in the Mellowes Center. It is used for Illumina library quantitation, determining ChIP-seq IP enrichment, and optimization of adequate amplification steps for NGS, single cell, and spatial biology library preps.

Learn more about the BioRad Opus 384 (PDF)

Logos Biosystems LUNA-FL

The Logos Biosystems LUNA-FL Cell Counter is equipped with brightfield and dual fluorescence optics that allow the sensitive detection of most cell types excluding bacteria. It can distinguish primary cells such as PBMCs, splenocytes, neutrophils, and stem cells from debris for accurate cell count and viability results.

Learn more about Logos Biosystems LUNA-FL

Thermo Fisher Scientific EVOS XL Core Imaging System

The EVOS imaging system incorporates high-resolution cameras, bright and digitally controlled LED light sources, and intuitive software to help capture stunning, publication-quality images in just a few clicks.

Learn more about EVOS imaging systems

BioTek Synergy LX Multi-Mode Microplate Reader

The BioTek Synergy LX multimode reader automates many common microplate assays. The high-quality optic design ensures excellent data in absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection modes. The system is ideal for many common assays including nucleic acid and protein quantification, ELISA, BCA, Bradford, and cell viability.

RRID:SCR_019763

Learn more about the BioTek Synergy LX Multimode Reader

Agilent 5200 Fragment Analyzer System

The Agilent Fragment Analyzer is the primary DNA, RNA, and sequencing library quality control instrument in the MC. It can assess fragment sizes, RNA/DNA quality, nucleic acid concentration, and the presence of PCR artifacts.

RRID:SCR_019417

Learn more about the Agilent Fragment Analyzer

Thermo Fisher Qubit

The Thermo Fisher Qubit is an accurate and sensitive nucleic acid and protein quantitation instrument designed to work seamlessly with highly selective Qubit DNA, RNA, and protein assays.

Acknowledgement of Mellowes Center Services in Publications and Grant Submissions

Thank you for utilizing Mellowes Center Research Services. Citations and acknowledgements are an essential measurement of how institutional investments produce academic productivity and will support the growth of research services at Mellowes Center and MCW long-term.

View Mellowes Center Research Services Acknowledgement Criteria & Guidelines (PDF)
MCW Mellowes Center equipment

'Omics Unit

Unleash the power of state-of-the-art NGS and large-scale assays to uncover the genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and other 'Omic mechanisms fueling cellular processes and disease phenotypes.

Learn more about 'omics services
MCW Mellows Center bioinformatics server hallway

Bioinformatics Unit

Plunge headfirst into your complex, multi-factorial data using world-class computational infrastructure, backed by a team of highly innovative and collaborative research bioinformatic experts.

Learn more about Bioinformatics services
MCW Mellowes Center research services

Research Services

Explore our myriad of standard and cutting-edge services designed to propel your research into the future.

Learn more about Mellowes Center research services
Collaboration Brainstorm 3F 2M

Schedule a Consultation

Embark on your project's journey with a consultation! Let’s meet to explore your research focus and discuss your specific sequencing, high-throughput assay, and analytic needs.

Schedule a consultation with us

Contact Us

Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine (Mellowes Center)
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 955-4887
(414) 955-6516 (fax)
mellowescenterinfo@mcw.edu

Medical College of Wisconsin Google map location