Gene expression service

Accelerate your research by using JAX®'s well established gene expression service. The service includes nucleic acid preparation, chip/array hybridization, and detailed statistical analysis, using unique statistical tools developed at The Jackson Laboratory1,2,3. We have successfully analyzed thousands of mouse tissues for our own scientists, and are now pleased to offer this service to the broader scientific community.

References which have utilized our gene expression service 

Service details

Our service can be used to assess the gene expression profile of any mouse strain housed in our facilities, including more than 3,500 strains of JAX® Mice, as well as any mouse strain being maintained by JAX® Breeding Services. We use the Affymetrix platform including both the Mouse 430 2.0 GeneChip® and the Mouse Gene 1.0 ST array. For more details about these tools, please visit our FAQ page.  Our process is as follows:

  • We conduct a brief phone call with you to ensure the experimental design meets your objectives.
  • RNA will be extracted and quantitated using a spectrophotometer and the RNA quality will be assessed.
  • The RNA will be processed and labeled under protocols specific for each array.
  • Specific QC measures will be assessed prior to hybridization.
  • Labeled cRNA or st-cDNA will be hybridized to the appropriate GeneChip®, washed to remove non-specific signal, and scanned.
  • Raw data will either be delivered to you for analysis or can be analyzed at The Jackson Laboratory by the Computational Sciences-Statistics and Analysis group. We normalize the distribution of log transformed intensities across the arrays, apply the appropriate statistical test, and deliver ranked lists of differentially expressed genes. The R/maanova package is used to analyze groups of samples with most experimental designs. The raw permutation p-values are adjusted to address multiple testing using the R/qvalue package. Ranked results are annotated with the latest information.
  • A report will be generated including all methods, QC data, normalized intensities for all genes, and a list of statistically significant hits for differential expression. View a sample report (.pdf)

A Project Specialist will be assigned to track the progress of your study and will communicate with you at all stages of the process, from receipt of samples through completion of array scanning and data analysis.

Pricing

Pricing for Gene Expression Projects is provided by quotation. A typical 3 vs. 3 comparison, which includes design consultation and all steps in the process, from RNA extraction to report delivery, is approximately $1000.00 per sample including analysis. Raw data delivery for a typical 3 vs. 3 comparison is less than $500 per sample. Please call for details.

Still have questions?  Want to get started?

  1. Wu H, Kerr K, Churchill GA (2003), MAANOVA: A software package for the analysis of spotted cDNA microarray experiments. Springer, NY.
  2. Cui X, et al. (2005) Improved statistical tests for differential gene expression by shrinking variance components estimates. Biostatistics 6(1):59-75.
  3. Yang H, Churchill G. (2007), Estimating p-values in small microarray experiments. Bioinformatics 23(1):38-43.