Molecular Resource Center (MRC)

Mission

The MRC Core’s mission is to provide scientists with access to
the latest molecular technologies for exploring basic biological
mechanisms and the molecular basis of human disease

Introduction

The Molecular Resource Center (MRC) Core, established in 1985, is a Tennessee Higher
Education Commission (THEC) Center of Excellence at the University of Tennessee Health
Science Center (UTHSC). In order to accomplish its mission, the MRC invests in both state
of the art equipment and trained personnel. The MRC houses a full range of equipment
that facilitates molecular, genetic, and biochemical studies at the sub-cellular and systems
biology levels. In addition to providing technical services, MRC personnel assist and
instruct investigators in applying specialized tools of modern molecular biology to basic
and clinical research. The MRC’s services include sequencing at both the single fragment
and whole genome/transcriptome (next-generation sequencing, NGS) levels along with
offering Affymetrix and Illumina microarrays. Equipment, reagents, and training for realtime
PCR and automated isolation of nucleic acids are also provided.

Overview of Services

• Nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) isolation (Qiagen QIAcube)
• Nucleic acid quality analysis (quantification and quality determination: NanoDrop, Qbit and Agilent Bioanalyzer)
• Kiosk drop-off for Sanger sequencing with Azenta (fomerly GeneWize, for Plasmids, Fragments & PCR products)
• Next-generation sequencing (ChIP, targeted or whole genome or exome, & microbiome)-NextSeq2000 platform
• Gene Expression Analysis (Affymetrix microarrays, total RNA and miRNA)-will be decommisioned in February of 2024
• Gene Expression Analysis (RNA-Seq)
• Gene Expression Analysis (qRT-PCR & digital PCR)-Roche LC480 qPCR and Fluidigm Biomark for digital PCR
• Genotyping (Capillary Electrophoresis for STR & SNP analyses)
• Genotyping (qPCR & copy number analysis by digital PCR)
• Equipment for client use -Eppendorf and Formulatrix Mantis Robotic Liquid Handlers, Multimode Plate Reader, Fluorescence Microscope

Equipment and Software
Qiacube Robot (Qiagen RNA/DNA isolation) • Agilent Bioanalyzers (2) • Nanodrop 1000 and 8000 Spectrophotometers  • Ion Torrent Proton Sequencers (2) • Illumina NextSeq 2000 • Affymetrix GeneChip System -through January 2024•  Roche LightCycler 480 Systems (2) • Fluidigm Biomark • Eppendorf epMotion 5075 Liquid Handling Robot • Formulatrix Mantis Liquid Handler • Spectramax m2e multimode plate reader • Zeiss Axiophot Microscope • Hamilton STARlet robot for automated NGS library preparation

Leadership

Tiffany N. Seagroves, Ph.D., M.B.A., PMP | Executive Director

William Taylor, Ph.D. | Core Director

Zoe Brookover | Research Specialist

Hilaire Smith, Ph.D. | Research Associate (part-time)

LaDell LaFlora, M.H.A., M.B.A. | Administrative Specialist III (please contact for TSRB building core access)

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Molecular Resource Center (MRC)
2. Sequencing & Genotyping
3. Affymetrix Microarray
4. Next Generation Sequencing
5. Quantitative Real-time PCR
6. Qiagen Qiacube

Contacts