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UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Nucleic Acid Extraction

The Translational Genomics Lab (TGL) extracts DNA and/or RNA from the following sample types. Our recommendation is to start with the maximum input amount for the kit being used as this will ensure maximum DNA and/or RNA yield.

We recognize that some samples are very limited, but unfortunately, it is very difficult to predict extraction yields.

In general, downstream genomic assay success rates greatly improve with having more material, especially for nucleic acids extracted from FFPE samples, so using as much material as possible is highly encouraged but is not required.

Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Scrolls or Slides

  • Material extracted: DNA, RNA, or DNA/RNA dual extractions
  • Recommended input: 5×10 µm or 10×5 µm scrolls in 1.5 mL snap cap tubes or on slides if performing macrodissections
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: Applied Biosystems MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit (Cat A31881)
The Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex instrument uses revolutionary magnetic particle separation technology to excellent reproducibility and quality in demanding high throughput workflows.
Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex. Image provided by Thermo Scientific.

Snap Frozen Tissue

  • Material extracted: DNA, RNA, or DNA/RNA dual extractions
  • Recommended input: 10 mg
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kits:
    • MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)
    • Applied Biosystems MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (Cat A27828)

Whole Blood 

  • Material extracted: DNA
  • Recommended input: 2 mL
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)

Buffy Coat 

  • Material extracted: DNA
  • Recommended input: 200 µL
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)
The Applied Biosystems MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit is designed for isolation of total RNA, including small RNAs such as microRNAs, from a wide variety of sample types.
Applied Biosystems MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit. Image provided by Thermo Scientific.

Plasma

  • Material extracted: cfDNA
  • Recommended input: 4 mL
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: Takara Bio NucleoMag cfDNA (Cat 744550.1)

Saliva

  • Material extracted: DNA
  • Recommended input: 400 µL
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)

Buccal Swab

  • Material extracted: DNA
  • Recommended input: 2 swabs
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kit: MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)

Cell Pellets

  • Material extracted: DNA or RNA
  • Recommended input: 1 million cells
  • Instrument: Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex (Cat 5400610)
  • Kits:
    • MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra 2.0 Kit (Cat A36570)
    • Applied Biosystems MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (Cat A27828)

To learn more about TGL, email lccctgl@unc.edu or come by 5118A Marsico Hall.

TGL collaborates with the Office of Genomics Research for project management. To submit a consultation request, email ogr@unc.edu