The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core specializes in multi-omics and next-generation sequencing data analysis from in genetics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome studies, with expertise in single-cell technologies as well as AI/ML applications in bioinformatics. The Core further advances bioinformatics literacy through education, supports grant writing and manuscripts, and continuously evaluates cutting-edge technologies. With access to high performance computing resources, core members provide comprehensive analysis of complex datasets, facilitate research collaborations, and drive scientific discovery. By integrating deep computational knowledge with biological insights, members facilitate leading edge research and drive scientific discovery across diverse fields of life sciences.

The Genomics Core Facility seeks to achieve high quality research data production through education of core facility users, optimal use of qPCR and RNA/DNA quality and quantity instrumentation, and quality Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, robotics, and microarray services. Services are provided to internal and external researchers.

The Genomics Core Facility (GCF) provides the following:

Sanger and next-generation DNA sequencing
DNA fragment analysis
qualitative and quantitative analysis of DNA, protein, and RNA samples
quantitative PCR
microarray RNA labeling, hybridization, and scanning
robotics
bioinformatics services
Individual and small group training and consultation services are offered for sequence analysis, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing and microarray analysis.

The GCF laboratory services are available to any researcher. The goal of the GCF is to provide high quality service at low cost to facilitate research. Use of the Genomics Core Facility services are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. The wait time for instrument use is rarely more than one day and is frequently shorter.

The Cell Biology and Bioimaging Core (CBBC) provides access to state-of-the-art bioimaging, analytical, histological, and flow cytometry related instrumentation and technical support to facilitate data collection and analysis by current and future Pennington PIs and their staff.
The CBBC is loosely divided into three sections – imaging, histology/specimen preparation, and analytical/flow cytometry. The imaging section includes the necessary platforms for confocal microscopy, two-photon confocal microscopy, 3D imaging, brightfield imaging, epi-fluorescent imaging, live cell imaging, ratiometric imaging, total internal reflection fluorescence techniques, and whole slide scanning. Both confocal systems, the TIRF platform, and one epi-fluorescence system are capable of live-cell imaging techniques involving the maintenance of proper temperature and CO2 concentration.
The histology/specimen preparation section of the core houses all the necessary equipment for tissue processing, sectioning, and staining PBRC researchers may need. The core provides access to an automated tissue processor, four cryostats, three rotary microtomes, a sliding microtome, a vibratome, and autostainers for both traditional stains as well as immunohistochemical stains. In addition, the core provides access to a laser microdissection system for the precise collection of single cells or whole tissues from sectioned materials. This platform provides materials that can be further analyzed for either genomic or proteomic methods in nearby core facilities.
The analytical/flow cytometry section includes a fluorometric plate reader equipped with a robotic fluidic system for advanced kinetic studies in multi-well plate formats, an analytical flow cytometer and a new high speed cell sorter (iCYT Reflection) housed in a BSLII lamellar flow hood capable of sorting live animal and human cells at high purity for downstream applications.
Training is available on almost all of the platforms within the CBBC and staff are available for assistance in the development of experimental protocols, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
The CBBC is partially supported through a COBRE grant (NIH 8P20-GM103528) and NORC (NIH 2P30-DK072476) center grant from the National Institutes of Health.