The Gene Expression and Genomics Unit (GEGU) of the Laboratory of Genetics, NIA IRP, is a core facility for all investigators, fellows, and students of the National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program and their collaborators. Our core facility is engaged in the use and analysis of gene expression microarrays as well as Next Generation DNA and RNA sequencing.

We provide an interactive approach to meet the needs of each Principal Investigator or Laboratory. Our experience has included small and large scale projects using Illumina and Agilent gene expression arrays of multiple species including Human, Mouse, Rat, Drosophila, and C. elegans, among others. This often includes advice on experimental design, sample preparation, quality control of RNA or DNA samples, sample processing and data extraction.

In addition, our core facility assists the user in analyzing, mining data, visualizing, interpreting, and archiving large scale gene expression datasets in the context of a successful experiment. This often involves working with and training fellows and students in the details of complex gene expression studies.

In addition, we provide services related to Next Generation sequencing with our Illumina GA II DNA sequencer, and well as the ION Torrent Proton DNA sequencing system. This includes consultation regarding experimental design, sample and library preparation, as well as library quality control. This includes services in support of experimental approaches such as CHIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, CLIP-Seq, Ampli-Seq, 5-C and related experimental techniques. Quality control, basic data processing, genome assembly and higher order DNA and RNA analysis is performed in close collaboration with the investigator.