The Biospecimen Extraction Resource (BER) is a centralized laboratory for standardized, high-quality,reasonably-priced DMA and RNA extraction from various sources. The BER performs PCR-based analysisof these nucleic acids including pyrosequencing for genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms and fordetection of CpG island methylation. In addition, the BER consults with non-laboratory-based investigators tohelp them accomplish their laboratory-based goals related to the facility. The BER is located in the newlyconstructedBasic Science Research Building (BSRB). The BER uses state-of-the-art instrumentationincluding the Autopure LS automated DMA extraction machine and the PSQ pyrosequencer. The BER hasan 8-member oversight committee. A website provides information about services, guidelines for preparingsamples for DMA extraction, and other procedures performed by the facility, as well as forms to becompleted when requesting service. In the current grant period, the BER was used by 35 differentinvestigators from 17 programs with 98% of usage coming from investigators having peer-reviewed funding.Most of the DMA extractions are from human peripheral blood leukocytes or saliva. An increase of over400% has been seen over the past year compared to those extracted in 2002. The source of funds for theproposed operating budget of the BER for year 33 (July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009) is 14% from TexGen, 53%from user fees, and 34% from the CCSG. Future plans include continued expansion to large projects suchas TexGen, the 'LBJ Patient History Database-Serum/DNA Bank' and the 'Repository of Tissue and Bloodon Patients in the Cancer Prevention Center.'
Showing the most recent 10 out of 12418 publications
