The DNA Core Facility uses the ABI 373 Fluorescent DNA Sequencer which has the ability to run up to 36 separate sequencing reactions simultaneously. The fluorescense is detected and signals are sent to a macintosh and collected by ABI's Data Collection Software. This data is then processed and interpruted by ABI's Sequence Analysis software. The final output is a color profile or a chromatogram which dispays peaks and corresponding base calls.
Peaks are of four different colors, one for each base.
The Core Facility will supply all materials for sequencing reactions, users just have to supply DNA and primers. DNA should be clean and purified with a column such as a Quiagen maxi-prep column. If you want the Core to add primers for you, supply just the DNA in a volume of 8ul. The DNA Core accepts sequencing requests form investigators outside Joslin. You can send your samples by snail mail or FedEx.