Microbiome (Medicine)

Overview of Services

The primary goal of the Department of Medicine Microbiome Core is to facilitate microbiome studies for researchers at CUIMC. The facility is a centralized and cost-effective resource for receiving, handling and storing biological specimens that are collected as part of research studies in molecular epidemiology.

Core services:

1. Consultation and study design
   • Optimal sample collection
   • Sample size calculations 
2. Storage of clinical specimens
   • Sample processing / aliquoting of liquids, body fluids and stool specimens
   • Swab storage
   • Microbial cultivation and freezing of bacterial isolates
3. Nucleic acid isolation and quantification
4. Next generation sequencing (16S, ITS, Metagenomics)
   • Sequencing as separate projects or pooling of projects for more advantageous pricing
   • Whole genome sequencing of pathogens
   • Long- and Short Read sequencing
   • RNA-Seq
5. Maintenance of sample inventories
6. Analyses

We provide consultation on all aspects of sample collection including preparation of the IRB protocol, sample collection, shipping methods, number of aliquots etc. The core will receive, process and store coded samples and freeze multiple aliquots per sample as needed. We will provide DNA and RNA extraction and prepare and ship samples for sequencing. As a centralized core we have higher sample volumes, which enables more cost-effective sequencing for investigators. We are currently building up our capacity to perform analyses. The core also fosters informal interactions of investigators from varied backgrounds to enhance microbiome studies at CUMC.

The Microbiome Core Facility is located in room 9-426, P&S Building, 630 W 168th St, New York. You can contact us at 212 342 4530 or au2110@columbia.edu with your research questions.

Leadership and Members

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. http://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/microbiome/

2. http://www.columbiamedicine.org/

Contacts