Infrastructure

The Core Unit for Bioinformatics Data Analysis (CUBA) provides
quantitative and computational analyses, training and consultancy.
Increasingly complex and large data sets are characteristic for
molecular biology and medical research driven by technology
advancements. These high-volume data sets require quality control to
filter artefacts, statistical rigor to minimize false positive findings
and intelligent experimental design to maximize insights. Data
processing pipelines, e.g. for transcriptomic data, are provided as
wellas guidance on available analysis tools and databases. Analyses are
primarily based on freely available open source software essential for
reproducible and independent research.


CUBA

The Cell Programming Core Facility employs state-of-the-art cell (re-)programming, genome editing as well as differentiation technologies and is constantly refining its technological portfolio. To promote the establishment of innovative stem cell based in vitro models we offer the following services:

• Generation and provision of human iPS cell lines
• Genome Editing
• Neural differentiation of iPS cell

Cell Prgramming

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility offers services on flow cytometric analysis, imaging flow cytometry, cell sorting and spectral single cell analysis. The staff is eager to support researchers in choosing the best suited method and instrument and provide required training to scientists.

Flow Cytometry

The gene-editing core facilities offer services for the generation of gene-edited and transgenic mice. In the past decade the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized biomedical research. The application of this versatile genome-editing tool has also accelerated the generation and establishment of genetically modified mouse models. Gene knockouts, conditional mice as well as insertions of small tags or point mutations can be achieved without elaborate and time consuming cloning of targeting vectors and subsequent recombination in murine embryonic stem cells.


Gene Editing

The Core Facility “Human 3T MRI” (CF-MRI) provides access to a modern MRI scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio). The scanner is in property and operated by the Life and Brain GmbH. The CF-MRI supports scientists in the implementation of research projects, for example in measurement planning, the creation and optimization of measurement protocols or troubleshooting, but also in the development and programming of respective paradigms. To enable scientists to carry out investigations independently, CF-MRI offers training courses. The goal is to ensure the highest quality in data recording and the safe execution of the investigations. The MRI core facility also offers support in accessing and pre-processing data.

Human 3T MRI

The Microscopy Core Facility provides access to several high-end microscopes at two locations at the Venusberg campus (University Hospital Bonn). At the BMZ 2 (Building 12) the instruments are specifically suited for imaging living cells while at the neurology (Building 82) the microscopes are oriented towards measuring (fixed) tissue sections and large organs. Furthermore, at the neurology we also offer electron microscopy and sample preparation for EM.


Microscopy

The Core Facility Nanobodies offers the customized generation of alpaca or llama "variable domains of heavy chain-only
antibodies" (VHHs), also called nanobodies, against target structures of choice. These highly specific single domain antibodies recognize their targets with affinities comparable to conventional antibodies, but are much smaller (ca. 15 kDa), more stable and more versatile for many applications.The Nanobodies core facility offers the immunization of alpacas or llamas with provided antigen, as well as the identification and validation of specific nanobodies against desired targets. The team is happy to discuss and support nanobody projects from the first idea to the final application.

Nanobodies

Due to ongoing technical advancements Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is widely applied in many research projects. But, despite decreasing sequencing costs during the last years, the access to this technology is made difficult as investment in and maintenance of NGS systems as well as the establishment of research specific applications remains expensive and time consuming. Therefore, the NGS Core Facility, which is allocated at the Institute of Human Genetics (University Hospital Bonn) provides the research community with access to state-of-the art sequencing technologies and helps facilitate cutting-edge-omics research.



Next Generation Sequencing

Proteomics identifies and quantifies proteins comprehensively from a wide variety of biological samples. The core facilities located in Bonn Poppelsdorf (University of Bonn) and on the Venusberg (University Hospital Bonn) operate under one common virtual structure. The core facility offers scientists a diverse set of methods to suit various needs. Both facilities provide mass spectrometry-based services for protein identification and quantification but specialize on distinct applications.

Proteomics

The Viral Core Facility (VCF) offers scientists of the Bonn Medical Faculty and external academic scientists (“non-profit organizations”) services for the generation of customized viral particles. Using these particles functions and properties of specific proteins can be studied by overexpression or downregulation in various cell types. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentivirus (LV) can be generated and cloned upon request. The facility uses standard cloning techniques, restriction-ligation approaches and Infusion Cloning.


Virus

The core facility offers an all around service for the users. The offers include import and rising of new zebrafish lines,
keeping and mating of zebrafish lines, Injection of zebrafish eggs or embryos, transplantation of cells into two or three days old zebrafish larvae to the generation of new zebrafish lines. The facility also offers support on imaging at fluorescence, confocal or two photon microscopes. A direct transfer of fish samples to the electron microscopy core facility (in house) is also available.

Zebrafish