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Instrumentation – Molecular Combing System

The MCS is an automated instrument that stretches single DNA molecules onto specially-treated glass surfaces. The MCS is used in standard molecular biology laboratories to perform the Molecular Combing procedure in an optimal and reproducible manner.

How it works

DNA is extracted and purified from samples, and the DNA solution is placed in the Teflon reservoir of the MCS. Two 22 mm² CombiCoverslips (glass coverslips that have been treated with vinyl silane) are placed and held in purpose-built clips and are then simultaneously and rapidly dropped into the reservoir containing the DNA solution. The coverslips are incubated with the DNA solution for a defined time to allow the DNA to attach to the glass surface at one or both of its extremities.

The coverslips are then automatically removed at constant speed from the DNA solution thereby stretching the DNA in a controlled and consistent manner. Stretching is achieved by the receding air-liquid meniscus which results in extension and parallel alignment of DNA molecules. Each DNA molecule is combed out with a constant stretching factor (2 kb/µm), enabling precise and direct measurement of position.

Find out more about the technology behind Molecular Combing.

Results

Each glass coverslip, contains thousands of combed DNA molecules which can be hybridized with specific fluorescent DNA probes. Analysis of the stretched DNA fragment is made with a fluorescence microscope either manually or automatically using a scanning station.

The hybridization of fluorescent probes on combed DNA allows the direct visualization of their positions along each DNA molecules.

The Molecular Combing System (MCS) is manufactured by Bio-Rad Instruments and commercialized by Genomic Vision.