Duke University and the School of Medicine is home to a number of core facilities. These state-of-the-art research facilities provide expertise in a broad range of research needs. Several core facilities are housed within the genomic community, providing start-to-finish project support.
The Biomarkers Core assists investigators with the design and implementation of molecular and protein assays to evaluate biochemical and inflammatory markers. They also specialize in analyses of joint tissue metabolites.
The BERD Core links investigators with methodologists across Duke and partner institutions who have expertise in the quantitative/qualitative methods required for collaboration. They also collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of clinical and translational investigators at Duke by providing expertise in study design, real world evidence, implementation of quantitative/qualitative methodology, and interpretation of results.
We offer cell lines and services, DNA analysis services, discounted IDT oligonucleotides plus laboratory reagents, supplies and media for Duke researchers.
The Functional Genomics Shared Resource has assembled state-of-the-art reagents and equipment, providing researchers access to genome-wide RNAi reagents and the infrastructure necessary to conduct large-scale functional studies in mammalian cells.
The Human Physiology Testing Core offers clinical procedures related to the biochemical and physical functions of the human body, including physical fitness assessment, physical activity monitoring, energy expenditure measurement, evaluation of glucose metabolism, body composition measurement, phlebotomy and nursing services, and muscle biopsy procedures.
The Microbiome Core Facility provides a centralized resource hub to enhance the existing interactions with the Duke Microbiome Center, Duke Cancer Institute, and Genomic and Computational Biology shared resources to address the role of microbial systems in human healthcare, food production and environmental restoration. This resource will provide access to a variety of services that will enable researchers to focus on microbial communities (bacteria, fungi and virus), immune oncology, cancer research and infectious disease.
The DMPI Metabolomics Laboratory has a comprehensive suite of seven MS instruments that allow both targeted and non-targeted metabolomics assays to be conducted on a wide array of sample types including plasma, blood spots, tissue, urine, cerebral spinal fluid, and cell culture.
The Molecular Genomics Core (MGC) offers a variety of experimental platforms to facilitate genomics research. MGC offers decades of experience with genetic, genomic and epigenomic study design and technology, working closely with researchers to customize experiments to meet their needs. The MGC highlights applications that include 10x Genomics NGS library generation for both single cell and gDNA experiments, DNA methylation microarrays, SNP genotyping and copy number microarrays, and Taqman targeted SNP genotyping.
The Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource provides protein characterization resources for the Duke Research Community. These services include protein identification and protein quantitation from a wide variety of sample types, from simple mixtures like gel spots and bands to complex mixtures like protein complexes, cell lysates, and plasma. They use mass spectrometry as the key technology for qualitative and quantitative protein characterization.
The Research Informatics Core uses PEDIGENE®, a flexible, integrated system for managing large databases containing clinical, pedigree, molecular, and DNA sample data. PEDIGENE® has been adapted to house massive and detailed information: clinical information, marker information, and genotypes for a large number of genetic markers on samples of thousands of families and tens of thousands of individuals.
The Sequencing and Genomic Technologies Shared Resource is a basic research-oriented core facility affiliated with the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI). This Shared Resource has a track record more than a decade-long of providing constantly updated, state-of-the-art genomic services. They offer the full range of genomic technologies, making it much simpler for researchers to find the right service for their needs.
The Substrate Services Core Research Support serves as a centralized processing core and storehouse for research samples for large clinical, consortium-based collaborations and for basic, discovery science They produce quality translational science through validated, standardized methodology and protocols that are implemented across studies, reducing non-relevant variability in results.