Who can use the NYU RNAi Core Facility?

We encourage all academic researchers to screen at the NYU RNAi Core Facility. As the screening schedule allows, our equipment may also be used for small non-screening projects.

What is the cost of performing a screen at the NYU Core Facility?

The screening fee for the various libraries are listed here. Please remember that the total cost of a screen will be the sum of the screening fee, cost of assay consumables and reagents, cost of stay in New York, and cost of hitpicks. An extra fee is required if different siRNA concentrations or assay plates are required. Please contact us for more details at rnai@nyumc.org.

How do I apply to do a screen?

Our screening application is here. Please note that assay optimization in a 384-well format is critical for approval. A signed copy of our data sharing agreement is required in order to schedule an onsite visit to begin your screen.

Will the facility carry out my screen?

No. We are happy to assist academic investigators in their high throughput screening projects by providing pre-aliquotted libraries and training in the use of our high throughput equipment. We can also provide logistic, technical, and bioinformatic support in order to assist screeners in performing their genome-scale RNAi screens.

How long does screening take?

Please see our order of screening events page. Generally, a plate reader based screen will take about one month and a visual screen, six to ten weeks to complete.

How I sign up/cancel my equipment reservation?

Equipment signup is through our website. If you need to cancel your equipment reservation, please let us know ASAP at 212-263-9080 or at rnai@nyumc.org. Screeners with multiple cancellations or tardiness may be suspended from using the facility.

What kind of libraries do you have? Can I order dsRNAs/siRNAs and make my own subset?

Currently, we offer human whole genome, human pre-miR and anti-miR, and mouse druggable genome siRNA libraries. We also offer Drosophila whole genome and sub-libraries and two C. elegans RNAi feeding libraries. Click here to go to libraries. We, in collaboration with the DRSC, are soliciting ideas for new Drosophila sub-libraries. Send us your ideas at rnai@nyumc.org.If you are interested in ordering your own siRNA library subset, several companies namely Ambion, Dharmacon, Qiagen, Sigma and Invitrogen are willing to make custom libraries.

What do I need to buy?

Because we purchase consumables and some reagents at a discount, we will track and bill screeners for what has been used during the course of their screen. Reagents such as cells, media, transfection reagents, and antibodies are the responsibility of the screener and should be sent to the NYU RNAi Core Facility for their screen. Also screeners will need to bring a media storage device for data storage. A final list of supplies will be drafted when scheduling your screen.

How will I be trained on the machines that I need to use?
The facility staff will provide basic training to get you started on the machines. However, prior to coming in for a screen, please contact the staff to discuss the equipment you will be using.

How do I store the data from my screen? What are the allowed file formats?
Please refer to the types of screens to check the file sizes. Typically, you can bring a media storage device to take a copy of your data with you. Data from our systems will be deleted after a week. The data submission should be done in an Excel format. You can upload the relevant file(s) by signing into your account. Please contact us should you have any problems in uploading and/or viewing your data.