Microarray

Microarrays are widely used in genomics to analyze gene expression, DNA copy number variation, and genotyping. They consist of microscopic spots of DNA or RNA probes that are immobilized on a solid support, such as a glass slide or a bead. These probes are designed to hybridize with complementary DNA or RNA molecules in the sample, allowing for the detection and quantification of specific sequences. Microarrays can be used to study the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously and are a powerful tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive biological processes.

There are two kits we can use for the clariom projects

1. The first is the “Pico” kit which is for low quantity, FFPE, or degraded samples or low input RNA. This costs a bit more as it has an amplification step and takes more time to prepare.
   RNA concentration: 5 – 100 ng/ul; recommend 10 ng/ul
   Volume: minimum 15 ul; prefer 30 ul.
2. The second is for standard ‘WT’ RNA, where you have relatively good quality and quantity of RNA.
   RNA concentration: 50 – 200 ng/ul; recommend 100 ng/ul
   Volume: minimum 15 ul; prefer 30 ul.
   RNA quality using A260/A280 ratio: RNA of acceptable quality is in the range of 1.7 to 2.1.
   RNA integrity The 28S and 18S rRNA bands should be resolved into 2 discrete bands with no significant smearing below each band and the 28S rRNA band intensity is approximately twice that of the 18S rRNA band.
   Total RNA samples should be free of genomic DNA