Sep 12, 2022

Public workspaceSample Cutting/Processing Protocol

Genes, Brain, and Behavior
DOI
dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgq7nryvk5/v1
  • 1UC San Diego;
  • 2Palmer Lab
Khai-Minh H Nguyen
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DOI: dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgq7nryvk5/v1
Protocol Citation: Khai-Minh H Nguyen, Katarina A Cohen, Abraham Palmer, Oksana Polesskaya 2022. Sample Cutting/Processing Protocol. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgq7nryvk5/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: March 11, 2022
Last Modified: September 12, 2022
Protocol Integer ID: 59342
Abstract
Procedure for preparing a 96 sample plate for extraction on the EPmotion 5075 (can also do by hand). This protocol is created for Agencourt's DNAdvance extraction Kit.
Guidelines
Ensure you limit the amount of freeze-thaw cycles of samples. Aim to process half a plate (48 samples) in a day. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to do half a plate.
Materials
Equipment
  • PC running excel and HomeAgain Software (transponder software)
  • HomeAgain Reader/Compatible Transponder Reader
  • Barcode Scanner
  • Metal Cutting Block (solid metal block to cut samples)
  • Metal Tweezers
  • Single Edge Razor Blades
  • Ice Pan
  • MicroScale
  • Wash Bottle
  • 100mL waste beaker


Consumables


Protocol materials
ReagentLysis BufferBeckman CoulterCatalog #A48706
Step 11
Safety warnings
You will be working with animal tissue and dry ice. Wear lab coat and gloves when processing samples. Wear cold-resistant gloves when handling dry ice.
Before start
Make sure you have dry ice available (~2 pounds is good enough).
All consumables and specific equipment are detailed in materials section.


Logging New Samples in Excel
Logging New Samples in Excel
1. Place 16 samples on tube rack in two rows of 8.
  • Leave them to thaw for Duration00:15:00
  • While you allow them to thaw, proceed to the next steps

15m
Download new Barcode Processing Template Download Bar_Code Processing Template.xlsxBar_Code Processing Template.xlsx

Create a DNA plate code name
  • We typically do "PI Name ##"
  • Ex. John03
  • This name will be assigned to this plate. Make sure you create a new name for each new plate.
  • This will be the name that you will write on the following plates used in the protocol.

Rename the newly downloaded Barcode processing template excel sheet with the DNA plate code name
  • EX. John 03 Barcode Processing
In Column A "Origin", enter the name of the box in which the samples were shipped in.

Scan and enter transponder IDs
  • Enter "no transponder" in comments column if transponder chip is not scanning.
  • The first row of 8 samples will be entered into A1-H1
  • The second row of 8 samples will be entered into A2-H2
  • Ensure the order is maintained throughout the protocol
Scan Barcodes
  • Enter "no barcode" in comments column if barcode label is missing.
  • Note the written code on tube if barcode label is missing
  • Scan barcodes in the same order in which you scanned the transponders (ex. first row will be entered into A1-H1)
If barcode is a truncated version of the transponder ID, use the CONCACTENATE function
  • e.g This will concatenate the first three zeroes "000" of the transponder ID to determine if it matches the scanned barcode ID.
=IF(TEXT(C2, "0")=CONCATENATE("000", TEXT(D2, "0")), "PASS", "FAIL")

Check for mismatches, missing transponder chips or barcodes.
  • If "Match" Column shows as "FAIL" then mark sample as mismatch.

Enter tissue type in column J
  • We typically extract from spleen or tail
Preparing Workstation
Preparing Workstation
1. Fill insulated foam box with dry ice and place empty tube rack to chill.

Fill ice pan with ice and chill metal cutting blockTemperatureOn ice

Add Amount50 µL of ReagentLysis BufferBeckman CoulterCatalog #A48706 to each well of the Deepwell plate (Catalog AB0932).
  • Use reagent reservoir and a multichannel pipette to add lysis buffer to all wells
  • Place deepwell plate TemperatureOn ice .
  • Write the DNA plate code (the code in which you named the file ex. John03) on the side of the plate
  • Write the date and your initials on the side of the plate



Fill wash bottle with 70% EtOH. Clean tweezers, razor and metal cutting block with 70% EtOH and Kimwipes.

Processing Samples
Processing Samples
Cut a small section of sample using your razor and place into corresponding well of the deepwell plate with your tweezers
  • Spleen tissue = 5-6 mg
  • Tail = 8-10 mg
  • NOTE - Maintain the same order in which you scanned your samples into the barcode processing sheet (Check well numbers A1, B1 C1)
  • Good "healthy" spleens should be intact/firm and have a vibrant deep red color.
  • Jot down in the comments section of the corresponding well if the spleen looks particularly bad
Cut along the blue line of the spleen.
Example of healthy spleen and transponder chip (right)

Return tissue to tube and onto the tube rack on dry ice.
  • Ensure you maintain the order in which you scanned the samples. This will be important for keeping records of the location of the sample in the database.
  • It is important that the tissue is immediately transferred onto dry ice when finished cutting.
Spray and wipe cutting block, razor and tweezers with 70% EtOH and Kimwipes
  • I recommend using a 100mL waste beaker to catch ethanol waste when spraying down the tweezers and razor


Wipe gloved hands with RNAse Zap Wipes
Repeat steps 13-16 until all 16 samples are completed

Logging Processed Samples
Logging Processed Samples
Label new processed sample box (use cryo freezer box 2'', 89 slots)
  • Palmer lab boxes are labelled as such: (PI Name) processed Box ## , Date, Initials of Lab Tech, Project

Place processed samples in labelled box while maintaining the order in which you scanned the samples

Enter storage sample box name in column G and sample position in column H in the barcode processing excel sheet
Store processed samples in -80C Freezer
Database Entry
Database Entry
Create new extraction database on google sheets. Copy from the template below. Create another sheet for each new plate.

  • Column A - Enter DNA plate code (this is the name that you had written on the deepwell plate) ex. John03
  • Columns D and E - Copy and Paste Transponder ID's and Barcodes from the barcode processing excel sheet.
  • Column K - Copy and Paste the Origin from the barcode processing excel sheet
  • Column M - Copy and Paste the Tissue Type from the barcode processing excel sheet
  • Column N and O - Copy and Paste the Storage Box of Sample and Position in Box
  • Column Q - Copy and Paste any comments that you have put in the barcode processing excel sheet
  • Column P - Enter freezer location of the processed sample box location
Lysis and DNA Isolation
Lysis and DNA Isolation
Continue to EPmotion DNA Extraction Protocol if you have an EPmotion.
It is safe to store processed sample plate at Temperature-80 °C if you plan to continue a few days later.