SubscribeHuman Control DNA From A Randomly Selected Population
What is HRC DNA?
The HRC DNA consists of authenticated, high quality purified genomic DNA. Each of the available 480 samples is from a single individual, providing a control population of randomly selected, non-related UK Caucasian blood donors.
The HRC DNA is extracted from lymphoblastoid cell lines derived by EBV transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from single donor blood samples. A reproducible supply of standardised DNA that represents the genome of each original donor is assured as the cell lines can be propagated in culture indefinitely. Informed consent has been obtained for their use in research.
This is a readily available, cost effective and renewable source of control DNA samples for use in genetic research.
What is New?
Building on the success of the ECACC Human Random Control (HRC) DNA in genetics research (see selected publications list) ECACC has responded to customer demand and re-formatted all 480 HRC DNA samples into a more convenient 96 well format. This new development has been made possible by ECACC's investment, during 2005, in automated liquid handling technologies. This development along with more efficient work practises has had the added benefit of substantially reducing the price of obtaining the whole 480 HRC DNA samples, bringing it within the scope of individual consumable budgets.
What do I Now Receive?
The HRC DNA is available as a series of five panels each containing samples from 96 separate individuals in a convenient 8 x 12 well format. DNA is provided as a solution in 10mM Tris buffer (pH 8.0) with 1mM EDTA. The gender and age at venesection is available for most samples.
What Sort of Applications can be used for the HRC DNA?
The HRC DNA panels are suitable for a wide range of applications requiring reference control DNA samples. Applications include:
- Population studies
- Mutation analysis
- SNP genotyping
- Validation of technology
- Assay development and validation
- Association analysis
- Comparative genomic hybridisation
- Genomic DNA library construction
The DNA panels can effectively supplement matched controls; they provide a second genomic control population to supplement initial results. Another prime use of the DNA panels has been to identify any DNA related problems prior to starting a large-scale project. The DNA panels can be obtained 'off the shelf' avoiding the inconvenience of preparing your own controls. Sourcing samples from colleagues can be prone to limitations with regard to administration, quality control, repeat access and sample sizes. Use of the ECACC HRC DNA can overcome these difficulties.
Genomic DNA At Your Fingertip
HRC DNA Panel Details
| Product Name | Catalogue No. | DNA Quantity | Concentration |
| HRC-1 DNA Panel | 06041301 | 96 x 2μg | 100ng/μl |
| HRC-2 DNA Panel | 06041302 | 96 x 2μg | 100ng/μl |
| HRC-3 DNA Panel | 06041303 | 96 x 2μg | 100ng/μl |
| HRC-4 DNA Panel | 06041304 | 96 x 2μg | 100ng/μl |
| HRC-5 DNA Panel | 06041305 | 96 x 2μg | 100ng/μl |
The price and convenience of the HRC DNA panels compares favourably with the alternative of recruiting and sampling from donor cohorts.
Hear What is Being Said About ECACC HRC DNA
'The HRC DNA is an extremely important control frequency reference for genes and gene variants in the UK Caucasian population for comparison with samples from individuals diagnosed with type II diabetes. The allele frequency of gene variation is very similar to those found in other population based control sets e.g. the Exeter Family Study control population. The HRC samples have been invaluable to substantiate our findings; providing an ideal second control population to confirm the initial results obtained using the primary control population were not affected by regional bias.
Use of the ECACC HRC DNA has enabled the Warren 2 consortium to play a central role in the identification of type 2 diabetes genes. These include calpain-10, Kir6.2 and HNF4 alpha. Most excitingly and more recently (March 2006) association between common variants in the TCF7L2 gene and type 2 diabetes has been reported by a team in Iceland. We have replicated this result and shown that it is the largest common genetic effect on type 2 diabetes risk in the UK so far reported (publication pending).'
Dr. Tim Frayling, a Senior Lecturer based at the University of Exeter, Peninsula Medical School, is one of a group of researchers forming the Warren 2 consortium concerned with studying the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes.
'The HRC DNA panels have successfully been used as controls in a screen of the myosin gene MYH6 using dHPLC and sequencing. The HRC DNA is very good quality, better than that for the affected samples, offering consistently reproducible results. The standardised concentrations save a lot of time. Another potential source of control samples is from research collaborators. However, if we obtain control samples from different laboratories the sample quality is likely to vary.
We would have to quantitate each sample and dilute to the appropriate concentration; a very time consuming process. The ECACC HRC DNA preparations are ready to use making life a lot easier. In addition to the HRC 4 panel of 96 sample, we are certainly interested in acquiring the other panels to increase our control population and corroborate our current findings'.
Dr. Javier Granados at the Institute of Genetics, University of Nottingham, is studying the genetic basis of congenital heart malformations e.g. 'hole in the heart' conditions.
'The HRC DNA panels was used widely in our contract research and especially in Taqman(R) SNP genotyping in their whole genome amplification service. It is really important to use good quality DNA when performing genomic and genetic experiments. We've now got a lot of experience at judging the quality of incoming material by comparing it to the HRC panels and it's saved us time and money. We also use the HRC panels as control material in new assays so that we can pinpoint the reasons behind assay failures and give feedback to both our suppliers and customers. We really do find the HRC panels a valuable resource.'
Dr. Nick Leaves, the Operations Director at Geneservice Ltd, which is is a premier supplier of genomic products and contract research to both academic and commercial research organisations worldwide.
The benefits associated with using the HRC DNA panels
- Convenient Format: The HRC DNA is available as a series of five panels each containing samples from 96 separate individuals in a convenient 8 x 12 well format. DNA is provided as a solution in 10mM Tris buffer (pH 8.0) with 1mM EDTA. The gender and age at venesection is available for most samples.
- Reproducible: The DNA is derived from immortal single donor cell lines enabling a renewable supply of DNA that can be reproduced batch to batch.
- High Quality: The latest automated technologies are used to ensure consistent production of pure, high molecular weight genomic DNA at a competitive price.
- Standardised: 2μg of each DNA sample is provided at a standard concentration of 100 ng/μl.
- Authenticated: Rigorous sample tracking and quality control procedures, which include short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex PCR analysis, are used to assure panel consistency.
- Cost Effective: The use of automated technology combined with increased demand has enabled significant cost reduction and supply of the DNA at a competitive price to the customers.
How to Order
To benefit from this new development, complete the online order form to order our exclusive range of HRC DNA panels and quote reference number HRC1/WF/04/06. For more information contact our technical support co-ordinator on Tel: + 44 (0)1980 612684 or Email: ecacc@hpa.org.uk.