Genomics Facility

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The completion of the genome sequence of several organisms and the rapid development of methodologies to detect genetic variation, as well as technologies to examine genome-wide gene expression, are revolutionizing the study of human, animal, plant, and microbial biology. However, the cost of the equipment and the specialized nature of the techniques prevent most investigators and instructors from incorporating modern genetics into their research and courses. The Genomics Facility within the Science Research Core seeks to provide expertise for investigators to incorporate gene analyses into their studies and to provide workshops and training in various techniques for instructors to incorporate these tools into laboratory course work.

Genotypic Analyses

Genome sequencing will continue to reveal large numbers of previously unknown genes and will expand the potential candidate genes for common diseases. Growing data suggest that genetic variants influence drug metabolism, as well as susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. Through the Genomics Facility, investigators have access to DNA sequencing facilities at UAMS and University of Arkansas.

Gene Expression Analyses

Cancer and many other diseases are thought to arise from permanent alterations in gene expression patterns. One of the most common techniques for analysis of specific gene expression profiles is examination of mRNA levels by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and more quantitatively by real-time RT-PCR.  To facilitate the analysis of specific transcript levels, the Genomics Facility will prepare total RNA from frozen tissues.  Investigators may also contact the Facility Director or Coordinator for advice on preparation/freezing of tissues and cells and isolation of RNA.

Alterations in gene activity can also be studied by introducing gene sequences altered in vitro.  For this purpose, the Genomics Facility offers the services of recombinant plasmid construction (from the subcloning of PCR products or genomic DNA fragments to the generation of reporter gene constructs or the addition of fluorescent or antigen-specific tags).  For the convenience of INBRE investigators, the Facility will prepare plasmid DNA and verify plasmid constructs by DNA sequencing through the UAMS DNA sequencing facility.

Finally, the role of DNA sequences in the regulation of gene expression can be tested by mutagenesis.  The Facility will provide in vitro mutagenesis of existing plasmids according the INBRE investigator’s specifications. 

To use the services of the Genomics Facility, please contact the Coordinator, Ms. Sandra Jacobi, or the Director, Dr. Helen Beneš.  All RNA or DNA preparations or constructs will be performed by the Coordinator and a Research Associate, Ms. Oksana V. Litvinova.  Their contact information is given below.

Coordinator:  Ms. Sandra Jacobi

Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics

4301 West Markham St., Slot 750

UAMS

Little Rock, AR  72205

Tel.:  (501) 686-7368

Fax:  (501) 296-1469

Email:  SEJacobi@uams.edu

Assistant:  Ms. Oksana V. Litvinova

Dept. of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences

4301 West Markham St., Slot 510

UAMS

Little Rock, AR  72205

Tel.:  (501) 526-7146

Fax:  (501) 686-6382

Email:  LitvinovaOksanaV@uams.edu

Director:  Dr. Helen Beneš

Dept. of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences

4301 West Markham St., Slot 510

UAMS

Little Rock, AR  72205

Tel.:  (501) 686-5782

Fax:  (501) 686-6382

Email:  BenesHelen@uams.edu