The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Facility for the Molecular Genetics of Cancer was established in 2004. It was designed to facilitate the search for cancer susceptibility genes and to provide an additional capability in identifying the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the acquisition and development of cancer.

The purpose of the Facility is to provide high throughput analysis of germ-line and somatic mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), methylation status, loss of heterozygoszity (LOH) and levels of expression of a broad spectrum of genes.

A diversity of platforms is available within the facility to facilitate research within and outside of the Garvan institute. The goals of the facility are aimed at high-throughput, sensitivity, accuracy and cost effectiveness. Additional to the latest technology equipment within the facility there are now several services available for researchers in Garvan and external clients in NSW:

• Sequencing / Fragment analysis / Microsatellite analysis
• Mouse genotyping (homo / heterozygozity testing, Knock out / in confirmation etc.)
• Epigenetic services (Methylation analysis on various platforms)
• Gene expression analysis (Affymetrix, Realtime)

The following platforms are available:

Sequencing / Genotyping

• ABI 3100 Genetic Analyser / Sequencer

Epigenetics/ SNP analysis

• Sequenom MassArray Compact Analyser

Gene-expression analysis

• ABI Prism 7900HT Real-time PCR
• Roche LC480 Real-time PCR
• Affymetrix hybridization and chip analysis services

RNA analysis

• Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer

General robotics

• 3x EpMotion 5070 liquid handling robots
• 1x Sequenom Nanodispenser

For enquiries please contact Pavel Bitter on 02 9295 8384 or p.bitter"at"garvan.org.au