Open AccessHigh-throughput mouse genotyping using robotics automation
Author(s) -
Kaari L. Linask,
Cecilia W. Lo
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
biotechniques/biotechniques
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1940-9818
pISSN - 0736-6205
DOI - 10.2144/05382st02
Subject(s) - robotics , automation , genotyping , artificial intelligence , laboratory automation , computer science , scripting language , protocol (science) , throughput , workstation , robot , computational biology , embedded system , biology , engineering , operating system , medicine , genetics , genotype , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , pathology , wireless , gene
The use of mouse models is rapidly expanding in biomedical research. This has dictated the need for the rapid genotyping of mutant mouse colonies for more efficient utilization of animal holding space. We have established a high-throughput protocol for mouse genotyping using two robotics workstations: a liquid-handling robot to assemble PCR and a microfluidics electrophoresis robot for PCR product analysis. This dual-robotics setup incurs lower start-up costs than a fully automated system while still minimizing human intervention. Essential to this automation scheme is the construction of a database containing customized scripts for programming the robotics workstations. Using these scripts and the robotics systems, multiple combinations of genotyping reactions can be assembled simultaneously, allowing even complex genotyping data to be generated rapidly with consistency and accuracy. A detailed protocol, database, scripts, and additional background information are available at http://dir.nhlbi.nih.gov/labs/ldb-chd/autogene/.