Microbiome
The UMN Genomics Center (UMGC) provides microbiome marker gene amplification and sequencing services, beginning from biological samples or from extracted DNA. We offer library prep for multiple marker genes, including bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS1/ITS2, and eukaryotic 18S rRNA, using methods the UMGC developed, which in a report in Nature Biotechnology, were shown to provide more quantitatively accurate and qualitatively complete measurement of mock community reference standards than other commonly used protocols.
Marker-gene sequencing is typically carried out using the Illumina MiSeq platform, but deeper sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq for larger-scale projects, or for metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic methods is also available. For more information and to initiate a project, please contact our microbiome team.
Metagenomic Genome Assembly
It is now possible to assemble genomes directly from metagenomic samples using proximity ligation-based methods. Please see our library prep page for details.
Method Options
The UMGC offers two library prep methods for microbiome profiling: dual-indexing and amplicon-indexing. The dual-indexing method was developed in-house by Dr. Daryl Gohl and our microbiome team to reduce biases and errors resulting from amplicon-based methods. Our published method uses a two-step process in which the marker gene of interest is first amplified using a set of adapter-tailed primers, followed by addition of flow cell adapters and sample-specific indices by overlap extension.
Because of the improvements in quantification and accuracy, our “best practices” method is the most requested method in our microbiome service. Less commonly used, but still supported by the UMGC, is the amplicon-based approach – please contact our microbiome team for pricing using this method. Both methods support multiple marker gene variable regions for taxonomic profiling.
Extraction
Optional high-throughput extraction services are available using a “bead-beating” method that uses abrasive beads to break the cell walls of microbes in stool, soil, and other environmental samples. Qiagen's Powersoil Pro DNA extraction kit provides a high level of purity for the successful amplification of the sample’s organism. Please see our extraction page for details on all our extraction options available at the UMGC.
Sequencing
In addition to dedicated MiSeq runs, the UMGC offers a shared MiSeq service called Stowaway Sequencing (Stowaway-Seq). This service provides shared sequencing for researchers who need low-depth sequencing coverage. We do this by splitting a 2 x 300 bp PE flow cell into 8 “lanes” at ≤ 2M reads/lane, which users purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Stowaway-Seq is most useful for targeted amplicon sequencing or small pilot projects to assess custom applications.
Please see the UMGC Sequencer Home for the run schedule and additional information on our MiSeq Service page.
Bioinformatics
Our bioinformatic service offers analysis of 16S and ITS1 data using a pipeline implemented with the Qiime2 analysis software. The analysis includes filtering raw fastq files for primer and adapter dimer sequences, denoised using dada2, and calculating alpha and beta diversity metrics. These analysis results are summarized in a report, which includes a series of quality-control plots, interactive 3D PCA plots, taxonomy summary plots, and data summary tables.
Analysis is offered to external customers by the UMGC and pricing is listed under the pricing tab. External customers should contact Trina Kuriger for additional information. Analysis for UMN customers is available from the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute's Research Informatics group. Contact Trevor Gould for more information.
Start a Project
Our microbiome team will help determine which options will best meet your project budget, turnaround, and experimental goals. We are an Illumina Certified Service Provider the for MiSeq platform and undergo rigorous annual certification to guarantee our clients receive the highest quality data using the most up-to-date sequencing workflows. To see if your next microbiome project would benefit from our published dual-indexing method and expert sequencing, contact us at [email protected].
For updates on our microbiome service and all our technologies, events, and services offered at the Genomics Center, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
UMN Rates
Library Creation | Savings Tier | Speed Tier | Priority Tier |
---|---|---|---|
Dual-indexing. 16S/18S/ITS. | $13.94 | $19.68 | $26.98 |
Turnaround time. | 13 - 18 days | 6 - 12 days | 3 - 5 days |
Volume. | 24 - 768 samples | 24 - 384 samples | 24 - 384 samples |
Amplicon Indexing and QC.1 | $12.43 | $17.77 | $25.48 |
Turnaround time. | 12 - 18 days | 6 - 11 days | 3 - 5 days |
Volume. | 24 - 768 samples | 24 - 384 samples | 24 - 384 samples |
16S/ITS1 Analysis2 | Savings Tier | Speed Tier | Priority Tier |
---|---|---|---|
Setup cost/variable region. | No charge | N/A | N/A |
Additional cost/sample. | No charge | N/A | N/A |
Notes
1. Researchers may submit Nextera-compatible amplicons for barcoding and sequencing. Please inquire for details.
2. UMN researchers can receive no-charge analysis through MSI ([email protected]).
Tiers: Turnaround time (TAT) is in business days. The TAT is for the above-stated services and does not factor in the TAT for sequencing or other companion services. Availability for the Priority Tier is limited; contact [email protected] to see if this is a current option. More information about Pricing Tiers.
External Rates
Library Creation | Savings Tier | Speed Tier | Priority Tier |
---|---|---|---|
Dual-indexing. 16S/18S/ITS. | $17.23 | $23.61 | $31.72 |
Turnaround time. | 13 - 18 days | 6 - 12 days | 3 - 5 days |
Volume. | 24 - 768 samples | 24 - 384 samples | 24 - 384 samples |
Amplicon Indexing and QC. 1 | $15.37 | $21.30 | $29.87 |
Turnaround time. | 12 - 18 days | 6 - 11 days | 3 - 5 days |
Volume. | 24 to 768 samples | 24 to 384 samples | 24 to 384 samples |
16S/ITS1 Analysis | Savings Tier | Speed Tier | Priority Tier |
---|---|---|---|
Setup cost/variable region. | $306.88 | $480.26 | $638.28 |
Turnaround time. | 5 - 10 days | 4 - 5 days | 2 - 5 days |
Additional cost/sample. | $4.63 | $10.23 | $17.09 |
Turnaround time. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Notes
1. Researchers may submit Nextera-compatible amplicons for barcoding and sequencing. Please inquire for details.
Tiers: Turnaround time (TAT) is in business days. The TAT is for the above-stated services and does not factor in the TAT for sequencing or other companion services. Availability for the Priority Tier is limited; contact [email protected] to see if this is a current option. More information about Pricing Tiers.
Submission
How to Order
Please contact [email protected] for project specifications.
Once project details are finalized, complete appropriate submission form for submitting samples or submitting client-made libraries and email to [email protected].
Forms
UMN Sample Submission Form
External Sample Submission Form
Samples can be dropped-off at one of our locations.
1-210 Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building (Minneapolis campus)
20 Snyder Hall (St. Paul campus)
If shipping samples, the following address should be used.
Please send the tracking information to [email protected].
UMN Genomics Center
ATTN: Corbin Dirkx
3510 Hopkins Place N.
Building 4 Suite W402
Oakdale, MN 55128
612-625-7736
Deliverables
Data Release
There are four options for transferring data from the UMGC to clients: 1) delivery to the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute’s (MSI) high-performance file system, 2) download from a secure website, 3) download with Globus, or 4) shipment on an external hard drive. Please indicate your data delivery preference when placing an order for sequencing.
1. MSI storage
Internal clients have their data released to MSI's Shared User Resource Facility Storage (SURFS). Delivered data will be located in the "data_delivery" folder in your group's folder on MSI's primary filesystem (home/GROUP/data_delivery/umgc). MSI does not charge for SURFS storage costs, but files expire and are removed one year after they've been delivered. Files should be copied to other MSI storage locations such as Tier2, Tier3, or your group's "shared" folder before they expire.
2. Web download
Internal clients that opt-out of MSI storage and external clients can download their data from a secure website using either a web browser or a command-line download tool, complete instructions are provided in an email from the UMGC. The client’s data is available for download for 30 days, after which the data will be removed from the data download website and the client takes responsibility for storing the data.
3. Globus
Internal and External clients can use Globus to download their data. This is the recommended method for external clients to download large datasets.
4. Hard drive
External clients may have data shipped on a hard drive purchased by the UMGC and invoiced to the client at a cost of $250 per hard drive.
Data Recovery
The UMGC archives most customer data for a year and some datasets are retained for 5 years or more. If you need a dataset re-delivered email a request to [email protected] to initiate data recovery. The UMGC does not provide any guarantee that data can be successfully recovered from the archive.
FAQ
How much space can I request on a Stowaway Run?
You may request increments of 1/8th of a MiSeq Lane to a maximum of 4 "lanes" if space allows. UMGC staff reserves the right to limit lane requests to a single "lane" per run, per user when high request volumes occur. If a large number of submissions are received, we will create multiple stowaway runs for a given submission period.
Can I request Expedited Service for a Stowaway Run?
No. The purpose of Stowaway-Seq is not speed, but low cost. The runs are scheduled in advance and guaranteed to run on the scheduled date, in order to provide a reliable, low-cost option for all.