The NRSC provides reagents, technology platforms and expert support for screening projects. We provide access to small molecule collections, functional genomics screening reagents (siRNA, shRNA, sgRNA and ORF cDNA collections). We have advanced liquid handling robotics platforms capable of aliquoting these libraries to assay plates. These platforms are coupled to, or complemented by automated incubators, plate stackers, heaters, coolers, shakers, robotic arms, sealers, labelers and barcode readers for advanced screening applications.
Depending on the assay we utilize our multilabel reader or automated high content microscopes to obtain single well readings for each screen. Data obtained from each screen is stored and analyzed in our Screensaver application. Ultimately a gene or compound giving a desired effect in a screen is designated a 'hit', and used for further study.
A screening project is initiated by the submission of an application form to the NRSC. The NRSC then collaborates with each researcher through each stage of the screening process, including assay development, optimization, automation, screening, data acquisition and analysis. Researchers are trained to use the robotics and assay equipment, whereas the NRSC staff is on hand for programming, maintaining and troubleshooting the equipment.