<Department of Microbiology & Immunology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Double Helix rotating/>

ABOUT US


A Brief History:

Instituted as a part of the Department of Microbiology, the Center for Advanced DNA Technology's first funding was obtained from monies from the Permanent University Fund Allocation to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences through the Health Science Center in 1989. Monies by way of salaries, equipment, and space were obtained from the Department of Microbiology. At the time of initial funding, automated DNA sequencing services were not available to researchers at the Health Science Center. Custom DNA synthesis was available through the polymer core in the Department of Biochemistry, however, services were limited and relatively expensive. The new DNA Center provided a full range of synthesis services including base substitution and end-labeling. Some original equipment purchased at inception remains in dservice at this time. Additional equipment has been added to the lab throughout a decade of service through user fees, grant support, support from the Department of Microbiology, reagent purchase plans through equipment manufactures, and beta-site testing services performed in collaboration with equipment manufactures.

Through the allocation of state funds in 2000, the Core acquired two ABI 3100 Genetic analyzers, an ABI 3900 High-Throughput DNA Synthesizer, and a Beckman Biomek FX robotic workstation. A Bioautomation MerMade-6 Synthesizer was acquired in 2005, and an upgrade of the genetic analyzers to 3130xl models was accomplished in 2006 to further increase productivity. The latest advanced high-throughput instrumentation has elevated the Core's capabilities extensively, enabling for lower user costs, higher quality products, and faster service.

Presently identified as the Nucleic Acids Core Facility (NACF), the lab continues to support the needs of researchers at the Health Science Center, as well as those at institutions in the surrounding area. Under the direction of Brian L. Wickes, PhD, the NACF offers automated DNA sequencing with data analysis & primer design, fragment analysis services, custom DNA synthesis, genome project services, gene amplification services, and robotic application custom projects.