About

The Advanced sequencing technologies, Sandbox, serves as an advanced genomics technological laboratory that allows Weizmann's scientists access to state-of-the-art genomic technologies and protocols from advanced labs in the institute. The unit introduces the technologies by the form of 'hands-on' workshops, following which the user can independently use the Sandbox equipment and consumables. Currently, the genomic technologies available in the Sandbox are: Mars-seq (preparation of libraries for RNA-seq), Illumina Nextseq sequencing, 10x genomics (single cell RNA-seq) and PacBio (long read sequencing).

Mars-seq – a protocol for preparation of libraries for RNA-seq

The Mars-seq workshop is a 3-day 'hands-on' exercise of the latest development of the 'bulk MARS-seq' protocol developed in Ido Amit lab. The protocol is designed for preparation of 3' RNA sequencing libraries from 1-50 ng of total RNA. In the workshop, each participant will learn to generate sequence-ready libraries starting from standard RNA samples using Sandbox equipment and consumables. Following the basic workshop training, the user will be able to independently use Sandbox equipment and consumables for library preparation of his/her own samples. Up to 96 libraries can be prepared simultaneously which can be sequenced in the unit's Nextseq desktop sequencer. Workshops are free of charge and limited to 3 participants. Workshops are open for Weizmann students and scientists only, and take place periodically on an approximately once a month schedule. Only workshop graduates will be able to use the sandbox facility

Short read Sequencing - Nextseq 500/550, Illumina

The unit has two desktop sequencers, Nextseq 500 (#1) and Nextsq 550 (#2), that provide the flexible power and simplicity for transcriptome, exome and whole genome sequencing in a single run.

Single cell RNA-seq – Chromium, 10x Genomics

The 10x Genomics Chromium is based on GemCode technology and allows high throughput single cell 3' transcriptomics, genome or exome sequencing.

For more information visit https://www.10xgenomics.com/

Long read sequencing – Sequel, PacBio

The PacBio Sequel sequencing system is built on Single molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing and provides high consensus accuracy, uniform coverage and long read sequencing.

For more information, visit https://www.pacb.com/