Sample Specifications
RNA Submission Guidelines
RNA isolation/purification
The Minotech Genomics Facility (MGF) does not recommend one specific procedure for isolating RNA. If
a lab is already working successfully with RNA in other molecular biological applications they should
continue using the same method. If purity and/or quality issues should arise the PGF is happy to provide
alternative recommendations.
RNA samples should meet the following requirements:
1) We prefer to start with total RNA. The amount of required RNA varies between applications,
please inquire. The concentration should be 50-500ng/μl.
2) It is strongly recommended that all samples be treated with RNase-free DNase prior to
submission to ensure samples are free of gDNA contamination. DNase treated samples must
also be clean-up post treatment.
3) The A260/A280 should be 1.8-2.1. A ratio <1.8 is often indicative of protein/DNA contamination. A
ratio >2.1 may also indicate residual guanidine thiocyanate or beta-mercaptoethanol.
4) A260/A230 ratio should be 2.0-2.2.
5) Integrity of the RNA should be evaluated by gel electrophoresis or Bioanalyzer and the
information should be submitted with the sample. RIN should be 7-10. Optionally, we can
perform Bioanalyzer analysis on the samples with an extra cost.
6) Samples must be clearly labeled in RNAse-free tubes
DNA Submission Guidelines
DNA samples should meet the following requirements:
1) The concentration of Genomic DNA should be 50-500ng/μl. The amount of required DNA varies
between applications, please inquire.
2) It is strongly recommended that all gDNA samples be treated with RNase prior to submission to
ensure samples are free of RNA contamination. RNase treated samples must also be cleaned-up
post treatment.
3) The A260/A280 should be 1.7-1.9. A ratio <1.8 is often indicative of protein contamination. A ratio
>1.8 indicates RNA contamination or residual phenol or beta-mercaptoethanol.
4) Samples will preferably be quantified using PicoGreen or Quant it. If these are not available,
samples may be quantified on a spectrophotometer or NanoDrop. Please provide extra sample
in this case, as spectrophotometers are known to overestimate quantity, often severely.
Optionally, we can quantify the samples with Quant it with an extra cost.
5) 100 ng aliquot of each sample should be run on a 1% agarose gel to check integrity, and a
labeled gel picture should be provided when samples are submitted. Intact samples should have
a single band above the highest marker band, with no/minimal smearing evident.
6) Samples must be clearly labeled in DNase-free and Lo-bind tubes
Ch-IP samples Recommendations
ChIP-seq is one of the most technically complicated Next Generation Sequencing projects to undertake,
and is entirely dependent upon the quality of sample submitted for library preparation.
1) Submit at least 100ng of each input and the entirety of each IP sample. Quantify your IP sample
using PicoGreen or Quant-it. If you don’t have access to these dyes, please submit IPs without
quantifying; we do it as part of our initial QC and will send you the results.
2) Each submitted sample should be sheared between 200-500 bp. We will assess this by Agilent
Bioanalyzer.
3) Each Input and IP sample should be reverse crosslinked and the DNA precipitated and
resuspended in either water or 10mM Tris pH 7-8.
See also: ChIP-seq analysis of protein–DNA interactions on the Ion Proton System
(https://tools.lifetechnologies.com/content/sfs/brochures/ChipSeq-Application-Note-CO28266.pdf)
Shipping:
1) A filled out submission form must accompany all shipments.
2) All items shipped should be sealed in a plastic bag.
3) Sample should be shipped on dry ice overnight to
Minotech Biotechnology Genomics Facility
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB)
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH)
Nikolaou Plastira 100
GR-70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece