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Genomics Assays & Services

Comprehensive Next-generation Sequencing Assays

Whole exome sequencing (WES) provides information about the entire protein coding regions of the genome, in a single test. Approximately 1-2% of the human genome codes for functional proteins and rare genetic variants causing many disorders map to these regions. In exome sequencing technology, the coding regions are captured by complementary probes to generate a sequencing library. Our in-house library preparation methods are capable of delivering ≥ 80% of on-target sequencing reads for efficient exome sequencing. Massive parallel sequencing by Illumina sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology, which is known to minimize false-positive and false-negative calls, enhances the detection of true rare variants. While WES is a powerful tool for unravelling rare coding variants, it is not suitable for analyzing deep intronic variants, copy number variations, chromosomal rearrangements or epigenetic modifications of the genomic DNA.

Custom Next-generation Sequencing Services

The UAEU Genomics Lab services can be availed for each stage of an NGS experiments:

  • DNA Extraction: For extraction of high-quality DNA suitable for NGS applications.

  • Library preparation for a variety of applications.

  • Sequencing by synthesis on the latest Illumina platforms.

  • Bioinformatics solutions - Our Bioinformatics lab is equipped with ultra-rapid Bio-IT platforms for primary and secondary sequence analysis, robust softwares and exhaustive annotation sources for tertiary analysis. The bioinformatics services are available as customizable solutions.

  • Whole exome and genome sequencing can be performed for single samples, families or specific cohorts of samples.  
  • We accept whole blood samples and genomic DNA samples for the different type of assays. Please refer to the table for sample submission guidelines.  

Assay Sample type Minimum numbers in order Recommended amount
Whole exome Blood 1 two tubes per sample, 2mL/tube
  genomic DNA 1 Two 1.5 ml tubes, each containing at least 200 ng per sample
  Illumina compatible libraries for sequencing 1 Two 1.5 ml tubes, 200 µl with internal control spike, Indexed, pooled, diluted and neutralized Library with a minimum concentration of 10+ nM.
Whole genome Blood 1 two tubes per sample, 2mL/tube
  genomic DNA 1 Two 1.5 ml tubes, each containing at least 5 ug per sample
  Illumina compatible libraries for sequencing   Two 1.5 ml tubes, 250 µl with internal control spike, Indexed, pooled, diluted and neutralized Library with a minimum concentration of 10+ nM.

  • Each sample should be accompanied by a requisition form.
  • For General Service requisition from UAEU-genomics, please fill the General Requisition form and our team will determine the best detailed requisition form best fitting your application needs, and reply to you with said form to fill all the necessary details.
  • If you have a specific application of interest in mind, you can Skip the General Requisition form and jump directly to the Detailed form best fitting your workflow in our Requisition forms Section. Follow the guidelines for submission of samples (e. g. Sample types and containers)

For further details on sample submission please contact uaeugenomics@uaeu.ac.ae

UAEU Genotyping Services

Genotyping is the process of identifying genetic variation at specific positions in the genome of an organism. The variations in individual genomes, collectively termed as genotype, distinguishes individuals from one another and has a wide range of applications such as predicting the risk for genetic disorders, tailoring treatment options and predicting response to certain drugs. Types of genetic variation include single nucleotide variations/polymorphisms (SNV/SNP), small insertions and deletions (indels) and copy number variations in genes (CNVs). The most common variation in humans are SNPs. The choice of a genotyping technology depends on the number of genotypes to be analyzed, the number of samples and the type of variation. Technologies such as PCR and qPCR allow only identification of known genotypes (SNP screening) while sequencing technologies such as NGS and Sanger aid in the discovery of novel genotypes.

Genotyping by qPCR involves PCR amplification the region surrounding the SNP using a pair of primers and a pair of allele specific reporter fluorescent probes for discriminating between the alleles. Since the reporter dyes for the two allele-specific probes are different, qPCR allows differentiating between homozygotes for allele 1, heterozygotes for alleles 1 and 2 and homozygotes for allele 2. Our genotyping assays are validated using Applied biosystems Taqman SNP assays on the Quantstudio 7 flex platform. Taqman assays are reliable, reproducible and require low concentration of sample DNA. Therefore, Taqman assays can be the optimum and cost-effective choice for studies involving a small number of SNPs in large populations.

  • Taqman SNP genotyping can be ordered for readymade, user specified or custom assays. Large sample size is required to obtain an accurate allele discrimination plot. The samples for a study can be submitted in small batches and can be pooled and analyzed later.
  • We accept whole blood samples and genomic DNA samples for the different type of assays. Please refer to the table for sample submission guidelines.
  • Each sample should be accompanied by a requisition form.
  • For DNA samples, quality will be assessed in the facility after sample reception and in case of samples not meeting QC resubmission may be requested.
  • It is recommended that the DNA samples for genotyping be purified by column/magnetic bead methods.

Assay Sample type Minimum numbers in order Recommended amount Container
Genotyping Taqman assays Blood 14*  two tubes per sample, 500 ul/tube Purple EDTA
  Genomic DNA  14*  20ul at a minimum concentration of 20ng/ul  

*Large sample size is required for producing accurate allele discrimination plot

For further details on sample submission please contact uaeugenomics@uaeu.ac.ae

Potential Assays in the pipeline

Targeted region sequencing is an effective approach for studying selected regions of interest (e. g. gene panels) within the genome. A panel of probes or primers for target regions can be designed and used for enriching the regions of interests from whole genomic DNA.
Custom targeted sequencing is a cost-effective solution for sequencing a small number of genes with high coverage. Target definition, panel design and validation are specific for each panel and this service can be availed after consultation with our in-house NGS specialists.

For further details on the availability of the assays contact uaeugenomics@uaeu.ac.ae

May 12, 2026