Welcome to the Genomics & Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL).
As a Core Facility, the GTL performs qualitative and quantitative DNA and RNA analyses. The services offered include comprehensive quality control (QC) of nucleic acids, classical Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis, as well as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis on NGS short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore / PacBio) platforms. We also perform single cell and spatial transcriptomics analyses using various technologies (10X Genomics, Becton Dickinson, Parse). The GTL also provides support for primary and secondary data analysis of the results.
The GTL is listed in the DFG Information Portal on Scientific Research Infrastructures (RIsources) as an equipment center that provides scientists with resources and services for planning and conducting research projects.
The GTL also acts as an NGS production site within the West German Genome Center (WGGC) in collaboration with the Universities of Cologne, Bonn and Aachen.
The following services are available at the GTL
News
New PacBio Revio long-read sequencing system available
The latest long-read sequencing system from PacBio (Revio) has arrived at the Genomics & Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL) and the first human and plant samples have been successfully analyzed!
With its 25 million zero mode waveguides (ZMW) per SMRT cell, the new Revio system delivers up to 3 times more data output than the previously available Sequel II/IIe devices. This, as well as the parallel sequencing of up to 4 SMRT Cells, enables a significantly higher sample throughput.
As the costs for a sequencing analysis on the new Revio device have hardly increased compared to the previous model (Sequel-II), the costs per sample are now also significantly lower.
The new Revio system is a 5-base sequencer. In addition to the 4-base primary sequence of the samples, the system provides information on a possible 5mC modification (5th base). This is possible because it is a single-molecule real-time sequencing technology that does not require PCR amplification steps.
Nevertheless, the quality of the sequencing data obtained is extremely high (> Q30)!
Since the PacBio sequencing technology does not require PCR amplification steps for standard input quantities, it can also be used to analyze very difficult genome regions (dark regions of the genome) that cannot be sequenced with short-read NGS technologies.
The main application of the Revio system is the de novo sequencing of genomes. However, the PacBio long-read sequencing technology also suitable for sequencing long amplicons, for sequencing full-length cDNA libraries (Iso-Seq), for 16S complete sequencing and for sequencing single-cell libraries to identify isoforms in cell subpopulations (MAS-Seq).
For further information please contact the PacBio long-read team at GTL:
New DFG funding opportunities for high-throughput sequencing
Note: The DFG announced new opportunities to apply for NGS sequencing costs in projects!
For research projects with high NGS sequencing costs, the DFG now offers the possibility of a so-called "infrastructural co-application" with academic sequencing institutions. In contrast to the previous DFG funding initiative for high-throughput sequencing (Next Generation Sequencing, NGS), the choice of sequencing center is freely selectable by the main applicant. As a DFG-listed research infrastructure (RIsources), the GTL meets the requirements for this and is available as a co-applicant.
Further information can be found on the DFG website.
Price adjustment Sanger sequencing & fragment analysis
For Fragment analyses and Sanger Sequencing two new sequencing devices, the SeqStudioTM and SeqStudioTM Flex, will be available from January 2024. Due to the increased costs, prices have been adjusted.
