Expertise - CMGA

Together with the various research groups and fields, we form the MEDGEN consortium of excellence. Through this collaboration, we have been able to develop over the years into a fully operational laboratory and knowledge center.

Our research laboratories include two cell culture laboratories, a functional lab, a zebrafish facility, and are equipped for extensive sequencing capabilities.

Over the years, we have specialized in areas such as NGS, WGS, WES, RNA-seq, iPSCs, zebrafish research, and CRISPR-Cas.

In addition to the laboratories, we have also formed a large bioinformatics group.

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NGS
Digital droplet PCR
Real-Time PCR
Covaris M2220
Leica Fluorescence Microscope
Bioinformatics

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
The Centre for Medical Genetics Antwerp offers a state-of-the-art Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform with extensive experience in both research and diagnostic sequencing projects. Our sequencing facility supports internal and external researchers by providing high-quality sequencing services and expert technical guidance.
Our sequencing infrastructure includes two Illumina MiSeq systems, two Illumina NextSeq systems and, more recently, an Element AVITI24 sequencer. A second AVITI24 platform will be added in the near future, further increasing our sequencing capacity, flexibility and turnaround times.
Our experienced NGS team has extensive expertise in a wide range of library preparation workflows, including:
- Targeted sequencing
- Whole Exome Sequencing (WES)
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)
- Amplicon sequencing
- 16S sequencing
- Custom NGS solutions
In addition to sequencing services, we assist researchers in selecting the most appropriate workflow, performing quality control, and providing technical support throughout their projects.
For more information about our NGS services or to discuss your project, please contact us at NGS@uantwerpen.be
Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR)
The Centre for Medical Genetics Antwerp has extensive expertise in digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), a highly sensitive and precise technology for the detection and absolute quantification of nucleic acid targets.
ddPCR enables accurate quantification without the need for standard curves and is particularly suitable for applications such as rare variant detection, copy number variation (CNV) analysis, mutation analysis and monitoring of specific genetic changes.
Our expertise includes assay development, optimization and performing ddPCR analyses for both internal and external research groups.
For more information or collaboration opportunities, please contact our team.
Real-Time PCR
The Centre for Medical Genetics Antwerp has extensive expertise in Real-Time PCR (qPCR) technology for sensitive detection and quantification of DNA and RNA targets.
Our facility is equipped with the CFX96 Touch Deep Well Real-Time PCR Detection System from Bio-Rad, a flexible and high-performance platform enabling reliable and reproducible qPCR analyses.
Real-Time PCR is used for a broad range of applications, including gene expression analysis, validation of NGS results, mutation analysis, nucleic acid quantification, and the development and optimization of targeted assays.
With expertise in assay development, optimization and quality control, we support both internal and external research groups in a wide range of PCR-based projects.
For more information about our Real-Time PCR facilities or collaboration opportunities, please contact our team.
Covaris M220
The Centre for Medical Genetics Antwerp is equipped with a Covaris M220 system for accurate and reproducible fragmentation of DNA and RNA samples.
This technology is an essential step in the preparation of sequencing libraries for various NGS applications, including Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and other sequencing workflows.
Controlled acoustic shearing enables the generation of high-quality libraries, contributing to reliable and high-performance sequencing results.
Leica Fluorescence Microscope
Our facility provides access to a Leica fluorescence microscope for advanced imaging and analysis of fluorescent signals in biological samples.
This technology supports research projects requiring visualization and characterization of cellular structures, protein expression or genetic markers.
Our expertise includes fluorescence imaging, image analysis and technical support for applications in genetics and molecular biology.
Bioinformatics
The Centre for Medical Genetics Antwerp has a dedicated bioinformatics team providing expertise in the processing, analysis and interpretation of complex genetic datasets.
Our expertise includes analysis of NGS data generated from Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing and targeted sequencing approaches.
We support researchers with data analysis, quality control, variant detection, interpretation and the development of customized bioinformatics workflows.
https://www.biomina.be/

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR)

Real-Time PCR

Covaris M220

Leica Fluorescence Microscope

Bioinformatics

Labtechnicians

Ellen Elinck

Ellen Elinck

Ellen Steenackers

Ellen Steenackers

Anne Schepers

Anne Schepers

Charlotte Claes

Charlotte Claes

Jarl Bastianen

Jarl Bastianen

Maaike Bastiaansen

Maaike Bastiaansen

Laura Rabaut

Laura Rabaut

Jolien Schippers

Jolien Schippers

Sofie Daemen

Sofie Daemen

Ellen Schouppé

Ellen Schouppé

MEDGEN

Maaike Alaerts

Maaike Alaerts

Jeannette Meester

Jeannette Meester

Arvid Suls

Arvid Suls

Dale Annear

Dale Annear

Nishkala Sattanathan

Nishkala Sattanathan

Marie Hannaert

Marie Hannaert

Gerarda van de Beek

Gerarda van de Beek

Ian Segers

Ian Segers