Center for Individualized Medicine

Bioservices

Mayo Clinic Bioservices supports cutting-edge biomedical research with state-of-the-art biospecimen processing, storage and shipping services. Resources include the 50,000-plus-participant Mayo Clinic Biobank, the Cancer Serum Biobank, biospecimen storage and shipping, and pathology services.

Biospecimen Accessioning and Processing

Mayo Clinic's Biospecimen Accessioning and Processing Core provides investigators with pre-analytical processing and storage for a variety of biospecimen types to support the eventual translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Services include support for setting up study-specific infrastructures for biospecimen collection, processing and routing; accessioning and processing; DNA and RNA extractions; plating and peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation and cryopreservation; bodily fluid processing for microbiome; and storage, shipping and sample collection kit assembly.

Cytogenetics

The Cytogenetics Core, part of the Medical Genome Facility in the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, provides cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analysis of human and animal model research samples. Specialized services offered include cell culture, routine cytogenetic analysis, interphase and metaphase DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), custom FISH probe production, and Oncoscan microarray.

Epigenomics Development Laboratory and Recharge Center

The Epigenomics Development Laboratory and Recharge Center develops, implements and validates genome-wide epigenetic methods and technologies to facilitate their uses in clinical trials and assess their potentials as future diagnostic tests. The lab provides free consultation to assist in the development of new projects, performs experiments — including novel assays developed or implemented at the investigator's request — and helps investigators and their teams incorporate the results into grant applications and publications.

Gene Expression

Gene expression services are offered through Mayo Clinic's Genome Analysis Core. The core provides comprehensive services and technical support for the measurement of gene expression in clinical and nonclinical samples. Areas of expertise include gene transcript measurement in archival clinical samples, single cell gene expression by either Fluidigm C1 or 10X Chromium, high-throughput real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and analysis of microRNA expression.

Genome Analysis Core

The Genome Analysis Core, led by Eric D. Wieben, Ph.D., and Julie M. Cunningham, Ph.D., supports translation of research to patient care by providing a discovery portal through which clinically relevant findings on the role of genetics in disease and treatment may be brought into routine clinical practice.

The Genome Analysis Core offers full-service DNA and RNA library preparations, short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Pacific Biosciences) next-generation sequencing, high-throughput genotyping assays, and single cell capabilities with the 10X Genomics platform.

Genotyping

Genotyping services are offered through Mayo Clinic's Genome Analysis Core. Genotyping is offered on a variety of platforms, including state-of-the-art genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. A number of approaches for methylation analyses also are available. The core also provides consultations to assist investigators in determining how best to achieve their aims.

Medical Genome Facility

The Center for Individualized Medicine's Medical Genome Facility works closely with the center's Biorepositories Program to provide investigators with professional, efficient and low-cost access to the latest genomics technologies. The facility also assists researchers and clinicians in interpreting genomic findings and applying them to patient care.

Pathology Research Core

Mayo Clinic's Pathology Research Core facilitates tissue-based research by providing high-quality histological and related tissue-based services. Services available include tissue handling; tissue sectioning for staining, nucleic acid extraction or both; tissue staining; immunohistochemical antibody optimization and staining; multiplexed immunostaining and analysis; digital imaging and image analysis; and tissue microarray construction.

Proteomics

Mayo Clinic's Proteomics Core offers services and conducts research in the areas of mass spectrometry-based differential proteomics; peptide synthesis; protein and peptide purification; and protein identification, characterization and expression. Many of the services utilize mass spectrometry and other specialized equipment.

Sequencing

Sequencing services are offered through Mayo Clinic's Genome Analysis Core. Services include a broad spectrum of DNA and RNA sequencing, including Sanger sequencing and both short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Pacific Biosciences) next-generation sequencing. The core also provides consultations and training in molecular biology techniques.