• How do I get to ICBR?

ICBR is located at 2033 Mowry Road, on the first floor in the South Wing of the Cancer and Genetic Research Complex at the University of Florida. Visitors may bike, drive, or ride a bus to the facility. Click here for directions.

• What bus routes stop near ICBR?

Please visit Gainesville’s Public Transit System website for maps, schedules, and other route information. You can also locate buses around Gainesville in real time using TransLoc.

• Where can I park?

Parking spaces at ICBR are limited. Visitors may request a temporary parking permit from the receptionist upon arrival. Service engineers who have an appointment will have a parking permit reserved for them.

• Who can I contact to discuss my project?

Please e-mail ICBR with a description of the project and an ICBR administrator will connect you with the appropriate core staff member.

• What is CrossLab (iLab)?
  CrossLab (iLab) Solutions is a provider of web-based management services designed to support research.  ICBR uses the Core Facility Management system to streamline the process of ordering and billing for core facility services enabling customers to request services, reserve equipment, track samples and progress, manage invoices, and communicate with core staff members.
• Which browsers are supported?
  Firefox is the preferred browser when using CrossLab (iLab). You may also use Safari or Chrome. Users may experience problems with some CrossLab (iLab) web pages depending on the version Internet Explorer.
• What does it mean when I get ‘validation failure’ after entering my chartfield number string?
  The system requires you to input the complete chartfield string.  Your chart string should be entered using the following format: Dept-Fund-Program-Budget-Source of Funds-PC Business Unit-Project-Activity-CRIS-Flex-UFID. Example: 60180000-209-2100-CRRNT-G000070-GRANT-00163633-1—

• How do I access the CrossLab (iLab) System and register for an account?
   Internal UF/ICBR Customers: Go to https://ufl.ilab.agilent.com to login. Under the section UF Customers, click here link to register using your Gatorlink credentials. Once logged in, set your time zone. You will land on your Homepage. Under core facilities, click on the list all cores link to access a list of cores at the University of Florida from which you may request services or reserve core facility equipment. External Non-UF/ICBR (Non-profit & Commercial) Customers: Go to https://ufl.ilab.agilent.com to register for an CrossLab (iLab) account. Under the section Non-UF (Non-profit & Commercial) Customers, click the register. Complete the registration process. You will receive an email from CrossLab (iLab) (typically within one business day) with login credentials and basic instructions to get started using the CrossLab (iLab)system.

• How do I submit a service request to a core?
  Log into the CrossLab (iLab) system https://ufl.ilab.agilent.com/  Click on list all cores in the left menu. Navigate to the desired core by clicking on the core name. Click on the Request Services tab and click on the Request Service button next to the service of interest. Work through the request. You will be asked to complete a form and provide payment information for your request before submitting the request to the core. If you do not have any funds assigned, your PI/Lab Manager will need to assign you funds in the system. Your request will be pending review by the core. The core will add charges and may submit it back to you for approval.  Make sure to watch for an email from CrossLab (iLab) regarding your updated project.
• How do I reserve core facility equipment for self-service use?
  Log into the CrossLab (iLab) system https://ufl.ilab.agilent.com/ Click on list all cores in the left menu. Navigate to the desired core by clicking on the core name. Click on the Schedule Equipment tab and click on the View Schedule button next to the equipment of interest. Click and drag on the time frame you would like your reservation for. You will be asked to complete a form and provide payment information for your request before submitting the request to the core. If you do not have any funds assigned, your PI/Lab Manager will need to assign you funds in the system. Your reservation may need to be approved by the core, you can confirm this by viewing your Home page by clicking the Home button on the upper left corner of CrossLab (iLab).
• How to manage lab members?
  Once you are logged into CrossLab (iLab), click on the my labs link in the left menu to view the Members tab under the lab page. Under the Lab-wide approval settings heading, the PI, Lab Manager, or Financial Administrator can set the amount up to which lab members can approve their own requests. Under the Lab members and settings heading, a list of all lab members is displayed.  The PI or lab manager can edit each member’s membership, add members (if they have an existing account in CrossLab (iLab)) to your lab by clicking link existing user button or by clicking add new user button (if they have not registered with CrossLab (iLab)).
• How to add funds and assign funds to lab members?
  Click on the Membership Requests & PeopleSoft Projects Numbers tab under the lab page. Under the Manage PeopleSoft Project Numbersheading, click on the blue arrow next to Manually add a new Payment Method.  This will open and provide a field where the PI or Lab manager can type in the chartfield string in the specified format. Click Add.  The chartfield string will be added under the Manage PeopleSoft Project Numbers heading along with a list of the lab members.  Check the box to the right of the lab member’s name to assign the chartfield.  When the lab member requests services or schedules time on equipment, this chartfield may be selected to charge the service against.
• Can I change/update the payment methods used for service requests or equipment reservations?
  If you are the PI, Lab Manager, or Financial Administrator of the lab you can update the payment methods at any time before the request or reservation is completed by the core.
• Who will receive invoices and what are the payment methods?
  ICBR will send invoices to the PI or Financial Administrator (who helps manage lab memberships, fund assignments and spending approval).  If you would like to designate a default primary contact to receive all lab related invoices and invoice communications, please follow these steps:  Within CrossLab (iLab) go to the my labs menu option, which is located on the left hand side of the CrossLab (iLab) page. Hover over my labsand click on the lab name you want to update. Click on Group Settings. Next to the Lab Primary Contact setting, click on edit. From the list of available administrators, select the person you would like to designate as the default primary contact for invoices. Internal customers may pay by chartfield or credit card.  External customers may pay by credit card, check, or wire transfer.
• How do I contact the Core about a specific service request in CrossLab (iLab)?
  To communicate with the core about a request, click on the View Requests link under the Core Facilities heading on the left side of the page.  Then click on the All Requests tab on the right side of the page.  Find the service request of interest and click on the comment icon on the right of the request line.  An email interface will pop open.  Choose the desired recipient or enter an additional email address, add a note and then click Send Message. This email will be tracked under the Comments section in the request.

• Paying an invoice with a negative balance?
  If the total cost of your invoice is a negative amount, please contact ICBR at ICBR-Administration@ad.ufl.edu or (352) 273-8030.

• I’m not sure what service I am looking for, what should I do?
  E-mail ICBR with a description of your project and an ICBR administrator will connect you with the appropriate core staff member.
• How do I utilize ICBR services?
  Customers should log into CrossLab (iLab) to create submissions for services. If you do not have a CrossLab (iLab) account, you can request one here.
• Does ICBR have any walk-up services?
  Yes! Customers who wish to use instruments for self service and walk-up must first be trained on the instrument by an ICBR staff member. More information is available under Self Service.
• How do I get trained on an instrument?
  Information on instrument access and training is available on the Self Service page.
• Which core do I use for confocal?
  ICBR offers many services in a variety of forms. We encourage you to contact us and an ICBR administrator will connect you with the appropriate core.

   

• Which core do I contact for gene expression?
  ICBR offers many services in a variety of forms. We encourage you to contact us and an ICBR administrator will connect you with the appropriate core.
• Where can I find the Hybridoma core?
  The Hybridoma core has changed its name to the Monoclonal Antibody core. You can access the Monoclonal Antibody core information here.

• How do I prepare a sample?
  Sample preparation differs, depending on the core and service requested. Please contact the core you are delivering your sample to for sample preparation guidelines.
• Do I have to drop off my sample(s) in person?
  No. Samples can be delivered in person, shipped to ICBR, or dropped off at one of our drop off refrigerators located around campus. ICBR does not recommend that samples requiring extreme conditions or immediate assistance be left in sample drop off refrigerators.
• Where can I drop off my sample(s)?
  Drop off samples at the appropriate core laboratory.
• Are there any shipping guidelines?
  If a sample is being shipped, please make sure that it will not arrive on a day that ICBR is closed (weekends and UF holidays. ICBR recommends that samples are shipped at the beginning of the week, to allow time for them to arrive before the weekend.

• What services do you offer?
  Our main focus is on the analysis of Next-Gen Sequencing data. We handle DNA and RNA sequencing for all sorts of applications ranging from de-novo assembly to gene, isoform and small RNA expression quantification and differential expression analysis, SNP detection, structural variation, copy number alterations, gene fusion discovery, splicing analysis, methylation analysis (both RRBS and genomewide), phylogenetics, metagenomics, etc.  We also perform microarray analysis, ChIP sequencing, DNAase-seq motif discovery, TF binding sites discovery, genotype-phenotype association studies, and statistical design and analysis.
• What hardware resources do you have?
  We do most of our work on HiPerGator, UF’s state-of-the-art cluster supercomputer. ICBR Bioinformatics has an allocation of 550 cores and over 6TB of disk space.  In simple terms, this means that we are able to handle even the most computationally intensive tasks without having to compete for resources with the other users of the cluster, and therefore we’ll be able to give you your results faster.
• What software do you use?
  Pretty much anything you can think of.  HiPerGator has over four hundred bioinformatics programs and databases already installed, and if something is not there we can have it installed usually in less than a day.  And if the tool you need does not exist yet, we can even create it for you! Members of our group have longstanding experience in the development of bioinformatics software and analysis pipelines for a wide range of applications.  We are proficient in Python, Perl, Java, C, R, and other programming languages, in addition to database creation and management, web development, data analysis and high-performance computing.
• How much is my analysis going to cost?
  Since estimating the cost of a bioinformatics project is usually quite difficult, we strive to be as flexible as possible in our business model, in order to accommodate all types of projects and all budgets.  We currently offer four different ways of working with us:  a) For small, routine projects (e.g. standard microarray analysis) we charge based on a fixed fee schedule.  b) For large projects, we charge based on the amount of effort(i.e., time) that the project will require. A unit of effort has a fixed cost, and we will tell you at the beginning of the project how much effort we expect it will require. We will then update you over the course of the project in case the actual amount of work deviates significantly from our initial estimate.  c) We offer long-term assistance on grant-funded projects on a salary support basis, through our DiBiG This approach allows you to secure a guaranteed percentage of a bioinformatics specialist’s time: he/she will then become a member of your group for the duration of your project and will be able to assist through its entire life cycle. The percentage of time required will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and can also change over the course of the project.  This is usually a more cost-effective solution than hiring a full-time bioinformatics person on your own and having to train them, provide them with hardware, etc. d) Finally, we offer one-on-one training for students and postdocs who wish to learn specific techniques or develop new customized analysis pipelines for their projects.

• I am planning a new project with a bioinformatics component, when should I approach you?
  In general, the sooner you get in touch with us the better. We can help you plan and design your experiment, ensuring that the data you generate is appropriate for the type of analysis to be performed.  This will also give us enough time to ensure that the necessary computational tools are in place for when we receive your data, so that your project is not unnecessarily delayed. Consultation for new projects is usually free, and we would much rather get involved early on than having to tell you that there is a problem in your dataset when it’s too late…
• What is the best way of sending you my data for analysis?
  If the analysis involves data generated at ICBR (e.g. NGS datasets, microarrays), then you don’t need to do anything, we will get the data directly from the core. Otherwise if your datasets are small you can send them to us by email or using UF’s FileExpress  For large datasets, usually the easiest and faster way is to put them on a portable hard disk and deliver it to us (we can also come to your laboratory and collect the data on one of our secure hard disks).
• How will I get my results back?
  This mainly depends on the size of the results. If it’s a few small files we will send them to you by email or using UF’s FileExpress  For larger projects, we will generate a web-accessible report stored in a secure folder.  The report will contain all analysis details, tables, plots, and links allowing you to download the result files.  In the case of very large datasets, we will deliver them to you on a portable, secure hard disk.
• I am writing a grant that includes a bioinformatics component, how can you help me?
  We are always happy to contribute to writing grant proposals that involve bioinformatics. At a minimum, we can provide you with proper names of people to be included in your proposal (which looks much better than “TBN” to reviewers) with biosketches highlighting their accomplishments in bioinformatics, with Facilities and Resources documents, and with the Data Management Plan when needed. We will also be glad to help write the data analysis part of the proposal, to ensure that it fits organically with the rest of the project and that all the necessary details are specified.
• Do you work with human data? Is my data going to be secure?
  If your human data is de-identified, then there is no problem.  The servers we use are protected by UF’s firewall and other security measures, so you can hand your data over to us with the confidence that it will be treated according to security best practices. Working with identifiable human data is trickier, and will usually require the involvement of the IRB.  UF’s Research Computing is creating a compliant environment where Protected Health Information (PHI) can be stored and analyzed in compliance with HIPAA and FISMA regulations.  Therefore, working with patient data is definitely possible.  Nevertheless, you should get in touch with us as early as possible so that we can ensure that all the necessary protections and authorizations are in place before we start the work.
• What exactly is bioinformatics? How is it different from biostatistics and biomedical informatics?
  We define bioinformatics as the science of biological information.  As a discipline, it lies at the intersection of computer science, biology, and statistical data analysis.  Bioinformatics deals with the raw datasets produced by your experiments (including handling practical problems due their size, format, encoding, etc), turning them into information that can be interpreted in the context of the biological problem you are studying. Biostatistics is more concerned with the design of experiments and with the interpretation of its results, and the inferences that can be drawn from them.  In simple terms, you would rely on biostatistics at the beginning and at the end of a project, while all data manipulations and transformations in between are in the realm of bioinformatics.  Members of our staff have training in biostatistics; alternatively you can inquire with the Department of Biostatistics. Biomedical informatics is specifically concerned with the medical and clinical applications.  We routinely handle projects related to human diseases (e.g., cancer), but if your project involves direct access to patients or their medical records, you should probably talk to the CTSI and in particular to the UF Clinical Research Center.
• What about proteomics? And metabolomics?
  ICBR includes a Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Core that offers specific data analysis services.  Please contact ICBR-Proteomics@ad.ufl.edufor more information.  UF’s SECIM provides bioinformatics services for metabolomics.
• Do you offer training courses in bioinformatics / computational biology?

  We currently do not offer classroom-style training (but we do offer one-on-one training, see Q4).  Also, UF does not currently have a graduate-level program in bioinformatics or computational biology, although efforts are under way to create one.  Some alternatives you could look into:

  • UF Research Computing offers regular training classes on using HiPerGator, some of which are specifically about the use of bioinformatics tools;
  • The Microbiology and Cell Science Department offers a Bioinformatics minor;
  • Some bioinformatics courses available include GMS 6014 – Application of Bioinformatics in Genetic Research, GMS 5905 – Big Data for the Biologist, CAP 5510 – Bioinformatics.

• How do I get started with a Cytometry project?
  Contact the lab at ICBR-Cytometry@ad.ufl.edu and request a meeting.
• I want to send a sample for you to stain and analyze. Is this OK?
  Sorry, we cannot prepare the samples; the investigator must prepare them. Please consult with us, however; for some assays the samples can be prepared and shipped, and for others, a final preparation step might be doable in our laboratory.
• I want to measure the concentration of an analyte in solution. Can you help?
  Maybe. Flow cytometers are particle analyzers and do not detect dissolved substances. However in some cases, the substance can be captured by a bead and measured using a fluorescent antibody. With multiple fluorescence beads, the assay can be multiplexed.
• You charge for instrument use by the hour. How many flow cytometry samples can I analyze per hour?
  The answer to this can vary widely so it is best to discuss it with the lab staff. However, a flow cytometer analyzing suitably prepared samples in a typical manner can usually analyze about 1 sample per minute. (A sample is considered to be a single tube of stained cells.) In addition to time for setup and cleanup and time to generate graphs and statistical results, we expect, for most assays, to be able to analyze about 30 samples in an hour.
• Will we be billed in full-hour increments?
  No. You need only pay for the time you use including setup time. We charge fractions of an hour as appropriate.
• I want to use an instrument on my own. How much do you charge for training?
  Training is charged at the staff-assisted rate. Following training (usually one or two sessions), your rate will be reduced to the self-service rate. Rates vary by instrument. Note: We do not train users on the FACS Aria-II cell sorters.
• I’ve collected data on my samples using the flow cytometer in your facility. How can I analyze the data and generate graphs back in my lab?
  We offer the free use of FCS Express to all our users for the duration of the time that they are working with our instruments. Ask us how to obtain FCS Express under our license for your own use.
• What is the difference in meaning between “flow cytometry” and “cell sorting”?
  Flow cytometry is the process of moving cells in a liquid suspension through a laser beam and making correlated light scatter and multi-color fluorescence measurements on a cell-by-cell basis. Cell sorting is an extension of flow cytometry where certain measured cells are picked out of the population as they are measured, and collected in a separate tube, culture dish, or plate. A cell sorter is a specialized flow cytometer with this extra capability.
• How long does it take to sort cells?
  The setup of a cell sorter typically takes 30 minutes. The time to actually do the sort depends on (1) the concentration of the original sample; (2) the number of desired target cells in the collection; and (3) the fraction of those target cells in the original sample. Contact us and we can usually give a reasonable estimate of the time it will take.
• What is light scatter?
  As cells pass through the lasers in our instruments, light is reflected and refracted by the cells. This is called light scatter. Depending on the location of the light sensor, different properties of the cells can be determined. Forward light scatter describes light scattered only slightly from the laser beam and is related to the size of the cell or particle. Side scatter refers to light scattered at a wide angle from the laser and relates to the texture or granularity of the particle. Forward and side scatter taken together can indicate the morphological heterogeneity of a population and are often used as a first step to identify the cells of interest.
• How is light scatter different from fluorescence?
  Light scatter is measured at the same wavelength as the laser. Fluorescence is the property of a molecule (usually a specific dye that has been added to the sample) to absorb the laser light and re-emit light at a longer wavelength, thus changing its color.
• Which fluorescent dyes can I use in my application?
  The answer can vary greatly depending on the application and the desired instrument. Please consult with us, and we can discuss it.
• How many fluorescent stains can I use in my flow cytometry assay?
  We have instruments that can measure 15 colors or more, using up to 5 lasers to excite the dyes. However finding fluorescent colors that minimally overlap (and thus interfere with each other) can be challenging if you are planning to use more than a few. A website called Fluorofinder can help: https://uf.fluorofinder.com/ Fluorofinder has integrated supplier catalogs and the exact optical configuration of all our instruments, and is helpful in finding reagents that will work in your application.
• What is the detection range for flow cytometry? What sizes of cells can be analyzed?
  In most flow cytometry assays, light scatter is used to determine when a cell is present in the laser. Our instruments are subject to optical “noise,” which limits the sensitivity for very small objects. On the large size, the limit is the ability to pass the cells through the narrow channels in the instrument. Thus, we can usually analyze from 1.0 μM to around 20-25 μM. This covers cells from some bacteria up to epithelial cells and some large cultured cells.
• To be successful, must there be no overlap in the spectra of the fluorescent dyes in my multi-color application?
  No. Some spectral overlap is expected and tolerable. It can be cancelled out electronically through a process called “fluorescence compensation.” However this requires analyzing extra control samples stained individually with each fluorochrome. We advise discussing your plans with a staff member to get further details.
• What is a gate?
  In flow cytometry, gating refers to the ability to electronically separate populations of interest. Since we can only draw a gate on 2 dimensional plots, there must be a way to handle 3 or more measurements per cell. Nested gates (that is, a gate created as a subset of a prior gate) can be drawn on light scatter or fluorescence plots to drill down through the data and find rare cells. For example, gates could be used to identify and count cells that are large, fluorescent on color 1, and non-fluorescent on color 2, etc.
• What are FMO controls?
  FMO, or “fluorescence minus one” controls are samples prepared for flow cytometry by omitting one of the stains. FMO control samples are useful in multicolor fluorescence applications as they assist in defining the correct gating.
• What are isotype controls, and do I need them?
  Isotype controls are valuable troubleshooting tools for immunophenotyping applications. The isotype control is a sample labeled with an isotype-matched irrelevant antibody. It should not bind to the same extent as your test antibody, if at all. Thus, it can help you determine if your test antibody is staining non-specifically and whether you might need to adjust your staining protocol. However isotype controls have their flaws because subtle cellular binding artifacts that are not identical to the test antibody can still occur.
• I need to know the concentration of a specific subset of cells in my original sample. Can your instruments do that?
  Most of our instruments do not do that directly. The Accuri C6 is the only exception. They count the cells but do not measure the liquid volume consumed, thus concentration information is absent. However, there are specific products designed to allow generation of the cell/bead ratio, providing concentration information. Please request more information from us if interested.
• What is the difference between regular microscopy and confocal microscopy?
  A confocal microscope is a fluorescence microscope that includes a pinhole in the optical path that restricts out-of-focus light rays. This provides very crisp images in a narrow plane through the specimen in the vertical direction. A computer controls the stage to raise or lower it and collect a series of images that may be analyzed on a computer, and it can create a 3d image of a cell or tissue.
• What objectives are available on the confocal microscope?
  We have 10x and 20x dry objectives, and 40x, 63x, and 100x oil immersion objectives.
• What laser lines (for fluorescence excitation) are available on the confocal microscope?
  What fluorescence emission filters are available?
  Our confocal microscope has four lasers. Three are at fixed wavelengths of 405, 543, and 633 nm. The fourth is an argon-ion laser capable of selecting 458, 476, 488, 496, and 514 nm. It is used mostly at 488nm. We do not have emission filters; rather the wavelength band for fluorescence detection is continuously selectable across the visible spectrum. Up to three distinct fluorescence bands may be simultaneously collected.
• How is the sample mounted on the stage of the confocal microscope? What type of vessel can I use?
  We can analyze slides or cells in 35 mm culture dishes. Plate formats cannot be accommodated, however there are several chambered slides that work well. Please check with us. Our system is an inverted design, so the objectives view the slide or dish from below. Thus, a cover slip must be on the bottom not the top, as in conventional upright microscopes.
• Is there a particular specification for the cover slip?
  Yes. The objectives are calibrated for a certain thickness. You should use a #1.5 coverslip.

• How do I start a project?
  Please contact us and setup a consultation, ICBR-GeneExpression@ad.ufl.edu or 352-273-8043.
• Which technology I should choose for my gene expression study (microarray, RNAseq, single cell RNAseq qPCR or digital PCR)?
  It depends on the purpose your project. Please contact us to discuss your project and setup a consultation – ICBR-GeneExpression@ad.ufl.eduor 352-273-8043.
• Which methods I should choose for my genotyping study (Fragment Analysis, Mouse Tail genotyping, Taqman SNP, Ampliseq, Microarray based genotyping or sequencing based genotyping)?
  General speaking, for genome-wide SNP genotyping, we recommend whole genome-wide array-based or Nextgene sequencing-based technologies. For gene-wide SNP genotyping, we recommend array-based, Ampliseq or customer designed Taqman SNP genotyping technologies. For individual SNPs, we recommend qPCR and fragment analysis. For more information, please contact us and setup a consultation, ICBR-Genotyping@ad.ufl.edu.
• How much of a sample do I need to run a TapeStation/bioanalyzer?
  We need at least 4uL of sample to run a bioanalyzer.
• When can I expect the results?
  The results will be sent to you by email the same day or the next day if you follow the submission guidelines.
• Which service should I use if my total RNA samples have a range of 100-500ng/ul?
  RNA Screen Tape or Nano chip. Refer to submission guidelines.
• Where do I deliver my TapeStation/bioanalyzer samples for Gene Expression?
  Create a myICBR submission ID first and then complete the Bioanalyzer Sample Submission Form. Deliver your samples to ICBR and place them with the completed form in a Ziploc bag in the fridge located beside the ICBR reception desk. Samples will be collected at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. everyday.
• I labeled my sample on the tube. Do I still have to list the sample name on the submission form?
  Yes, please list all samples on the form. It will help us prevent a missing sample or misread sample names.
• Do I have to provide the sample concentration?
  If your sample concentration is within the suitable Screen Tape/chip range, you can indicate your concentration range and do not need to list the specific concentration. If you are unsure, a detailed sample concentration will help us find the best way to run the sample.
• What type of material does your core accept?
  We accept total RNA and labeled or fragmented cRNA for both Agilent and Affymetrix microarray analysis.
• What happens to leftover RNA?
  Unused RNA, cRNA and hybridization cocktails will be stored at -80C according to the ICBR Terms & Conditions It is the researcher’s responsibility to collect any unused RNA samples. Samples may be discarded without notice after six months.
• What output files do I receive?
  You will receive a cell intensity file (CEL) for each sample submitted for Affymetrix microarray. Most array analysis software/programs accept CEL files. For Agilent Microarrays, you will receive a quality control file in PDF form and a data file in TXT form for each array.
• How do I deliver samples to Gene Expression & Genotyping?
  Please make an appointment and drop off samples at ICBR in the CGRC, first floor, south wing. To ship, send via FedEx Overnight using dry-ice boxes. We cannot accept weekend delivery, so please ship early in the week.

  • Mail to:
    ICBR Gene Expression & Genotyping
    2033 Mowry Road
    CGRC building, ICBR Rm 165
    Gainesville, FL 32610.

• How can I start a monoclonal antibody project?
  Contact the Monoclonal Antibody core ICBR-MonoclonalAntibody@ad.ufl.edu or call 352-273-8039 to arrange a brief face-to-face meeting or phone conference to discuss your needs and project in detail.
• What is a hybridoma?
  A hybridoma is a cell arising from chemical fusion of two parental cell lines. One parent is an antibody secreting cell (usually from the spleen) isolated from an immunized animal. The other parent is a myeloma cell (a type of B-cell tumor). Hybridomas are immortal somatic cell hybrids that secrete antibodies.
• What are monoclonal antibodies?
  Monoclonal antibodies are produced (secreted) by cloned populations of hybridoma cells.
• What are polyclonal antibodies?
  Polyclonal antibodies are isolated from the serum of an immunized animal. There are typically thousands of different antibodies reacting with numerous epitopes (parts of the antigen recognized by the antibodies) and affinities (the strength of the antigen – antibody binding interaction) present in polyclonal antibody preparations.
• Of what use are hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies?
  Monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridomas are used in many areas of basic scientific research, industry, human and animal medicine, and agriculture. Hybridomas that secrete antibodies can be generated for almost any substance (toxin, drugs, blood proteins, cancer cells, viruses, hormones, environmental pollutants, food products, metals, plant material). The list of substances to which monoclonal antibodies have been made is almost endless. Monoclonal antibodies are routinely used to create sensitive tests for detecting or quantitating the presence or amount of various substances. Scores of monoclonal antibody-based tests are used in human and animal clinical labs. Monoclonal antibodies can be used to isolate and purify specific compounds from complex mixtures (immunoaffinity chromatography). Monoclonal antibodies are also used therapeutically to treat diseases such as cancer.
• Do I need monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for my application?
  For many applications, such as immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, polyclonal antibodies may be a more robust reagent. Choosing whether to use a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody for a certain application requires careful consideration. Sometimes a pool of well-defined monoclonal antibodies can accomplish many of the same things as a polyclonal reagent.
• Does the Monoclonal Antibody core make polyclonal antibodies?
  Not at this time. We can provide contact information for a number of commercial vendors that provide this service.
• How much antigen do I need to generate a monoclonal antibody?
  The amount of antigen needed to generate a monoclonal antibody varies greatly from one antigen to another. Projects involving antigens that are extremely immunogenic, such as insect lectins, may only require 0.3 – 0.6 mgs. Projects where the antigen is weakly immunogenic, such as short peptides, may require 1.0 – 5.0 mgs. General considerations that come into play when estimating amount of antigen needed include: number of mice to be immunized, dose required to generate an immune response, amount of antigen needed for performing assays on mouse serum, and hybridoma supernatants.
• How can I find out if a certain antibody is commercially available?
  There are numerous websites that offer searchable antibody databases. Some of these sites include customer reviews and references. A few of these online resources are listed here: http://www.linscottsdirectory.com/, www.abcam.com, www.1degreebio.org, www.antibodypedia.com, www.antibodyreview.com, www.benchwise.org, www.biobrea.com, www.biocompare.com, www.citeab.com, www.pabmabs.com.
• How long does it take to generate a custom monoclonal antibody?
  Development of a monoclonal antibody usually takes from four to six months. The time frame will vary depending on how many immunizations are required to generate an appropriate immune response in the mice.
• Do I need to obtain my own Animal Use Approval number?
  Yes, the University of Florida Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee requires that each University of Florida investigator that contracts for work involving animals completes an Animal Use Approval Form. If your only requirement for animal use is for monoclonal antibody production by the ICBR Monoclonal Antibody core, there is an abbreviated form available at https://my.iacuc.ufl.edu.
• How much does it cost to have a custom monoclonal antibody developed?
  The cost for the ICBR Monoclonal Antibody core to develop a custom mouse monoclonal antibody is approximately $3,000.00 to $4,000 for University of Florida investigators. Screening by Western blot, determination of antibody-antigen affinity and identification of matched antibody pairs is available for an additional cost.
• What things should I consider before beginning a custom monoclonal antibody project?
  There are several things to carefully think about before beginning a monoclonal project, such as: Does a monoclonal or polyclonal already exist (from commercial source or a colleague) that may work for my application? Will a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody work best for my needs? Do I have enough antigen prepared to complete the project? Can I set up a relevant assay to lead to monoclonal antibodies that will suit my needs?
• What additional services does the ICBR Monoclonal Antibody Core provide?
  Biotin labeling of monoclonal antibodies; Epitope binning (using BioLayer Interferometry) to help find matched antibody pairs; determination of antibody-antigen affinity.Mycoplasma testingWestern blot using WES: gel-free, blot-free, automated Western instrument from ProteinSimpleTraining and access to self-service instrumentation: microplate readers (absorbance, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, Octet (BioLayer Interferometry), WES.

• How do I start a project?
  The most effective way to contact our facility is by email, ICBR-NextGenseq@ad.ufl.edu. You can also reach us by phone at 352-273-8050.
• How do I submit my samples for sequencing?
  In order submit samples, please first create an account with ICBR or if already a customer, please submit a request and obtain a submission ID. Once you have generated a submission ID, please complete a service submission form and include it with your sample at the time of submission. All tubes MUST BE labeled clearly and consistently with the same identifying information as on the form.
• How much of a sample do I need for sample QC on the TapeStation/bioanalyzer and the QuBIT fluorometer?
  An absolute minimum of 10ul of sample to perform these assays is needed.
• Where do I deliver my samples/libraries?
  You can either bring your samples directly to our lab or ship them frozen overnight. All samples should be accompanied by a completed service request form.

  To deliver, bring directly to ICBR NextGen DNA Sequencing Core, between 8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday.

  To ship, send via FedEx Overnight using dry-ice boxes. We cannot accept weekend delivery, so please ship early in the week.
  Mail to:
  ICBR NextGen DNA Sequencing Lab
  2033 Mowry Road
  CGRC Building, ICBR Room 178
  Gainesville, FL 32610

• By our estimate we submitted a sufficient amount of sample, why did your QC indicate that we did not have enough?
  It is broadly agreed that for the purpose of NextGen sequencing, quantitation should be done using a fluorescence-based method (e.g., picoGreen, riboGreen or QUBIT). Nanodrop or any other absorbance-based methods, while useful as an indicator of purity, they tend to overestimate mass. The reason for this is that too many things absorb at 260nm, besides RNA and DNA. If you do not have access to a fluorometer, a gel can give an idea of quantity and quality, provided you include a known quantity standard in your electrophoretic run. The fluorometric methods we recommend utilize dyes that can specifically distinguish double-stranded DNA from RNA, or other substances that may absorb at or close to 260 nm. Alternatively, ICBR has a fluorescence-based quantitation service for DNA or RNA. We can perform bioanalyzer runs or fluorometric quantitation for a fee.
• If you QC all submitted samples/libraries, why do I need to bother with providing any data about my sample/library quantity and quality?
  Our lab QC should be considered an independent verification of quality and quantity of submitted material. This does not preclude your responsibility for making sure that submitted DNA meets the requirements for the requested sequencing service. Please review carefully our sample requirements.
• What type of Nextgen DNA Sequencing Services does your facility offer?
  ICBR currently offers sequencing services on three different platforms: Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford NanoPore Technologies. Our instruments include: Illumina NovaSeq X Plus, Illumina MiSeq, Illumina iSeq, PacBio SEQUEL IIe, ONT PromethION, and ONT MinION Mk1c.
• What types of projects can be completed on the PacBio?
  The PacBio SMRT sequencing system produces extraordinarily long reads that facilitate de novo assembly processes. Long reads also work very well for sequencing full-length transcripts for isoform analysis. Because of the relatively low data throughput of a PacBio sequencing experiment (500-600 Mb), the RS II system is currently best suited for small to mid-size genomes.
• What are the sample requirements for PacBio sequencing?
  DNA must be pure and intact. Because there is no amplification, PacBio requires more material than other sequencing systems. Required sample amounts vary from 500 ng to 30 microgram depending on the desired insert size and the application. RNA (for IsoSeq) must be intact (RIN > 8). A minimum amount of 1 ug or fluorometrically quantitated RNA is required. Please see also our sample requirements document.
• What is the turnaround time for sequencing on any of the instrument platforms?
  Our policy is to queue projects on “first-come, first-served” basis. Turn around time varies depending on the length of the queue at the time of sample submission, and on the size of the project. An estimate for project completion time is provided to our clients at the time of sample submission.
• Why did my sample fail to sequence?
  Sequencing success depends on many factors. Our users must pay close attention to our sample input requirements. These vary depending on the sequencing platform. When a sample does not sequence successfully, we work with our customers to identify possible causes for sample failure. The likelihood of sample failure is rare, but we are unable to guarantee the success of every sample. In such unlikely event, customers will still be expected to pay for requested services, unless we have determined that failure was due to instrument malfunction or acts of negligence while we processed your sample. Please read our customer agreement document carefully.
• What type of sequencing data do you provide?
  Sequencing data is provided in industry standard formats. For PacBio these include: 1) the H5 files containing raw data for the reads; 2) FASTA, FASTQ and CSV files containing filtered subreads; and 3) all metadata files associated with the run. For Illumina, we provide the Bcl and FASTQ files. For more information on data delivery, please reach out to the Bioinformatics core.
• Who do I contact and ask questions about my project while it’s being processed?
  Once you have a submitted a service request and your samples have been received, your sequencing project is assigned to one of the scientists in our group. The scientist will be the project manager for your samples. This person will serve as your point of contact for any questions related to your project. The most effective way to contact our facility is by email, ICBR-NextGenseq@ad.ufl.edu. You can also reach us by phone at 352-273-8050.

• How do I start a project?
  If your samples are for routine analysis (protein identification of gel or solution samples, HPLC purification, MALDI analysis for determination of protein molecular weight) and you know what services you need, please set up your ICBR account and submit a request to Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry. If your samples are not for routine analysis or you are not sure what the best approach is, please email ICBR-Proteomics@ad.ufl.edu and schedule a consultation or a project meeting.
• How do I prepare a gel or solution samples?
  For direct infusion samples, MALDI-TOF analysis or 2D-GE experiments, avoid or minimize salts in general, and desalting is recommended. Ammonium salts may be used at concentrations of 5- 25 mM.
  Avoid or minimize detergents, especially polyethylene glycols (Triton) and CHAPS. If detergent is needed use octyl β-D-glucopyranoside. Avoid viscous compounds (DMSO, glycerol). For gel samples, you can cut out the spot or band and place it in a 1.5 mL standard micro test tube. No need to add any solution. Avoid keratin contamination by using powder-free nitrile gloves when handling samples. Solution samples should not contain high concentrated detergents because they interfere with trypsin digestion. If you are not certain, please email your buffer composition to ICBR-Proteomics@ad.ufl.edu and we will review it.
• How do I clean up a protein sample?
  Please always check with the core to determine if you need to clean your samples. If you do need to clean your protein sample, you can do either an acetone precipitation or chloroform-methanol precipitation.
• How do I download Scaffold, ProteinPilot or Proteome Discoverer?
  For a listing of all available software at ICBR, visit the Analytical Software page.If your result is in Scaffold format, you can download a free viewer (Scaffold Q+/Q+S) to view the data.For ProteinPilot, if you have Windows Professional, you can download a temporary trial version (30 days) of ProteinPilot to view the data. For Proteome Discoverer, you can download a trial. After 60 days the trial version will only act as a viewer.
• What is the turn-around time?
  For routine analysis such as protein identification, results take no more than two weeks. For iTRAQ or label-free shot-gun sequencing, results normally take three to six weeks. Phosphorylation identification results take two to three weeks. Turn-around time depends on instrument availability and how many samples are in the queue. We provide weekly updates on your sample status.
• How do I deliver samples to Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core?

  Drop off samples without an appointment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. To ship, send via FedEx Overnight using dry-ice boxes. We cannot accept weekend delivery, so please ship early in the week.

  • Mail to:
    ICBR Proteomics
    2033 Mowry Road
    CGRC building, ICBR Rm 169
    Gainesville, FL 32610.