Molecular Genetics Core Mission Statement
The Molecular Genetics Service Core assists core investigators with routine molecular biology applications. By centralizing labor-intensive tasks and providing easy access to gene engineering technologies at reduced costs, we remove the burden of setting up such technologies in individual laboratories.
Our services are provided at “cost” reducing the financial burden on already stressed grant budgets.
Eligibility
The services are available to all members of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, including adjunct faculty with primary appoints in other Departments. Anyone holding an NEI grant (regardless of departmental affiliation) is also eligible to use our services.
Meet the Molecular Genetics Service Core Team
Core Director
Dr. Chen will manage the core, including reviewing projects, progress and service costs.
Questions and concerns should be addressed directly to Dr. Chen.
Michael Casey
Core Technician
- Email: caseymj@nospam.wustl.edu
Mike provides support in many areas of molecular biology, including the design, production and validation of DNA constructs, siRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9/guide RNAs and genotyping of founder mice
Acknowledging the core in publications
This work was supported by National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number P30 EY002687.
We appreciate users to acknowledge our contribution to your work in publications. As an example, “We thank Michael Casey and Susan Penrose with the Molecular Genetics Service Core for their technical support”.
Procedure for Core Usage
Projects are accepted from investigators on a first come-first served basis. Investigators are asked to fill out a simple, online job requisition form
This is followed by a discussion directly with the investigator (or their designee) to clarify the specifics of the project. Core investigators will be regularly informed about the progress of their project and are notified if problems persist or alternative strategies are required. If the project is straightforward and/or routine, the investigator deals directly with the core technician.
For high-throughput library cloning, before initiating a project, we would meet the project operator and lab PI to discuss the experimental design and cloning strategies. This meeting should take place before any raw materials (e.g. synthetic oligo library) are ordered.
Consulting the Bioinformatics Consulting service is also highly encouraged.
Description of Services
Below is our list of current services
- We perform recombinant DNA cloning, including single vectors or oligo library constructions. We are available for consultation on any project related to molecular biology, transgenic mice (including BAC transgenic and targeted transgenic), knockout mice, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, etc. For example:
a. Design and construction of constructs for transgenic mice (conventional or targeted transgenic), BAC transgenics, Knock-In/Knock-Out mice, and single-guide RNAs (sgRNA) for CrispR/Cas9-mediated genomic engineering.
b. Design and testing of genotyping PCR primers
c. Recombinant DNA cloning not related to transgenic mice (e.g. expression vectors, cDNA cloning, viral vectors and pooled constructs or libraries for high-throughput screens).
Consultation and training in PCR techniques.
Molecular Genetics Service Core Fees (FY26)
Fee Schedule – as of July 2025
Recombinant DNA vector services:
Fee will be charged per project – Fee covers reagents, consumables and Mike Casey’s time
| Service | Description of Service | Price |
| Standard Cloning | cloning a PCR insert into the vector of choice | $458.85 |
| Guide Test | For CRISPER/Cas-mediated genomic engineering | $293.83 |
| Simple Donor Construct | Design and production of a simple construct for CRISPR/Cas-mediated genomic engineering e.g. inserting a tag into a construct | $293.83 |
| Guide RNA preparation | Preparation of guide RNA for injection in a CRISPR/Cas experiment | $247.41 |
| CAS9 mRNA preparation | Preparation of CAS9 mRNA for injection in a CRISPR/Cas experiment | $216.47 |
| DNA sequencing | Preparation of sample for sequencing and the cost of the sequencing | $11.16 |
| Complex DNA sequencing | Preparation of sample for sequencing and the cost of the sequencing for GC rich sequencing or other difficult to sequence DNA | $13.16 |
| Genotyping (per 10 samples) | PCR analysis of DNA/tissue sample | $30.31 |
| Midi Prep | Larger scale preps | $50.94 |
| Mini Prep | To grow up small volume of construct | $17.47 |
| Complete Plasmid Sequencing | Through the company Plasmidsaurus | $18.58 |
Extra pricing based on project need pass-through costs
| Service | Description of Service | Cost |
| Standard DNA Oligos | Ordered from IDT – charged at cost (ordered through TCSC) | Variable |
Specialty DNA Oligos | Ordered if needed for project | Variable |
| Plasmid | Ordered if unique plasmid is needed for project | Variable |
ddPCR
Our recharge center also has a BioRad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR system that you can book time on. Cost is based on number of samples and covers the Biorad supplies for the run. For further information, please contact Mike Casey caseymj@wustl.edu