Genotyping

Welcome to the IKMB Genotyping Laboratory

Mission Statement

At the IKMB genotyping laboratory, we rely on modern technology and advanced equipment to offer a wide range of genotyping solutions. Our strength lies in the use of high-throughput technologies, supported by automation and many years of experience. Our commitment guarantees customized solutions for your research needs. This is underpinned by a large number of high profile publications that demonstrate our expertise and reliability.

Technologies

TaqMan Genotyping (Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase): Our TaqMan genotyping services enable precise genotyping through the use of endpoint measurements. These services are ideal for typing single to a few SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in large numbers of samples.

TaqMan genotyping technology. TaqMan probes are short DNA sequences labeled with a fluorophore (a fluorescent molecule) at one end and a quencher (a molecule that suppresses fluorescence) at the other end. During the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), when the probe is used as a primer and binds to the target DNA, it gets degraded during DNA synthesis. This separation of the fluorophore from the quencher allows the release of fluorescence signals, enabling the identification and quantification of the amplified DNA.

The TaqMan technology is commonly used for the detection and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). TaqMan assays are widely used in genomics and molecular biology, providing specific and sensitive detection of genotypes in a sample. It is mainly used as a high throughput genotyping technology for a small number of SNPs.

Order requests and a list of currently available applications can be found at our online order
service [https://ccga.uni-kiel.de/].


MALDI-TOF Genotyping (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight): Our genotyping through MALDI-TOF technology from Agena Bioscience is rapid and precise. We cover SNPs and other genetic variations to provide comprehensive genetic insights.

MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight) genotyping technology from Agena, which was formerly known as Sequenom, is employed for mass spectrometry-based genotyping. In MALDI-TOF genotyping, the target DNA is first amplified through PCR. Specific primers and extension probes are then used to capture SNP or genotype information. These extension probes have specific sequences that bind next to the target genetic variants. After a single nucleotide extension of the specific genotyping primers, the DNA is fired with a MALDI matrix laser, leading to the ionization of DNA molecules. The generated ions are then analyzed by a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Genotyping is achieved by measuring the masses of the generated ions. The mass profiles obtained are then converted into genotypes.
The MALDI-TOF technology from Agena Bioscience provides a fast, high-throughput, and accurate method for genotyping SNPs and other genetic variants. A single assay is usually capable of typing a dozen to around thirty SNPs.

Agena array
Agena array

Order requests and a list of currently available applications can be found at our online order
service [https://ccga.uni-kiel.de/].


Illumina Infinium Genotyping System (iScan): With Illumina’s iScan, we enable high throughput genotyping through SNP arrays. Our high-throughput system ensures efficient analysis of genetic variations in your samples.

At the time of writing Illumina is a leading company in genomics, and its SNP arrays find applications in diverse genetic fields, such as genetic research, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. The iScan technology is a high-throughput scanner specifically designed for reading Illumina Infinium BeadChips. These BeadChips are microarrays holding thousands to millions of genotyping probes. These probes are specific to known genetic variants, including SNPs. When the DNA sample of the subject is applied to the BeadChip, it hybridizes with the corresponding probes, and hybridization is detected through fluorescence. The iScan scanner then reads the fluorescence signals, generating genotyping data for each position on the array. This allows the determination of genetic variations in the examined genome.
Illumina offers a variety of SNP arrays for different applications, including specialized arrays for disease exploration, identification of genetic markers for complex traits, epigenetics and more. An array is generally available in sizes for 24, 48 or 96 samples and can have between a few thousand and over a million genotyping probes.

iScan array
iScan array

Order requests and a list of currently available applications can be found at our online order
service [https://ccga.uni-kiel.de/].


Olink Proteomics Platform: Our proteomic analyses are based on the advanced Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology from Olink. Precise and quantitative protein analyses for diverse research applications are our contribution to unraveling your biological puzzles.

The Olink Proteomics Platform is a next-generation proteomics platform designed to enable precise and quantitative analysis of proteins in biological samples. This platform uses Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology.

The Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology is based on antibody pairs that target the proteins under analysis. These antibodies are coupled with DNA oligonucleotides. When the antibodies come in proximity to each other, DNA polymerase is added to connect the two DNA strands. This results in the formation of DNA duplexes, which can then be quantified. So, the PEA technology provides high specificity as both antibodies and polymerase must simultaneously bind to the protein under analysis. This allows for accurate and sensitive quantification of proteins in biological samples. The Olink Proteomics Platform offers various panel options targeting specific biological processes or disease states. These panels enable simultaneous analysis of multiple proteins, enhancing efficiency and throughput.

The platform is employed in various research areas, including biomedical research, drug development, and clinical diagnostics. It facilitates the identification of biomarkers relevant to characterizing diseases or biological processes.

The Olink Proteomics Platform has established itself as a powerful technology for exploring the proteome, contributing to a deeper understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.

Order requests and a list of currently available applications can be found at our online order
service [https://ccga.uni-kiel.de/].

Loading a 96 well PCR plate
Loading a 96 well PCR plate
iScan loader
iScan loader
Putting a Sequenom chip on the mass array
Putting an Agena chip on the mass array

Regular Platform Meetings:
Bi-weekly Wednesdays at 08:10 AM (odd weeks only) for DNA laboratory, Genotyping, Microbiome laboratory and Sanger

Bi-weekly Wednesdays at 8:30 AM (odd weeks only) for “Next-Generation” Sequencing

Location: ZMB conference room 4th floor, Am Botanischen Garten 11, 24118 Kiel

The meeting is open for collaborators who want to discuss or prioritize their ongoing projects at the IKMB. For registering a new project, please contact the respective platform leader.

Genotyping Laboratory