The Trans-Omics Facility at the NIBB Trans-Scale Biology Center is responsible for managing and operating analytical instruments for gene and protein research while actively promoting collaborative studies.

The facility houses approximately 70 types and 100 units of equipment, ranging from general-purpose instruments like ultracentrifuges and real-time PCR systems to advanced technologies such as next-generation DNA sequencers and mass spectrometers. Specialized staff provide technical support to ensure effective utilization of these resources. Many of the instruments are also accessible to external researchers as part of the Inter-University Research Institute initiative.

Beyond equipment management, the center fosters information exchange and professional networking in this field through joint research projects, seminars, and training courses. Recently, the facility has focused on functional genomics, emphasizing collaborative research and training centered on next-generation DNA sequencing technologies.

Please read the “Notes on Use of the Trans-Omics Facility” (detailed later on this page), which outline the principles of operation and usage policies for the facility.

Note: This information is for internal use only. If you are a researcher affiliated with a university or research institute outside the institute, please refer to this page.

1. Procedures for Use

To access the Trans-Omics Facility, you must submit an “Application for Use” form for each relevant division at the start of the fiscal year. Additions or changes can be made at any time during the fiscal year.

2. How to Use the Facility

First-Time Users: Before using any equipment, please contact the Trans-Omics Facility to receive instructions on proper operation and precautions.

Reservations: Reservations are preferred. Priority is given to users with confirmed reservations. Reservation status is displayed on the “Reservation List” located near each instrument. If overlapping reservations occur, the Trans-Omics Facility staff will mediate and make adjustments.

Usage Records: While using the equipment, ensure you document all necessary details in the “Notebook” provided. For any malfunctions, immediately report the issue to the Trans-Omics Facility with a detailed account.

3. Instrument Usage Expenses

Users are responsible for expenses such as reagents and consumables associated with equipment usage. Fees will be totaled and invoiced by the departmental facility. In principle, there are no fees for the use of other instruments unless otherwise specified. For more details, click here.

Note: The following is an English translation prepared using assisting tools. Please refer to the original Japanese version for precise details.

(Purpose)

1. The use of the Trans-Omics Facility shall be governed by the provisions outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding.

(Operation of the Facility)

2. The Trans-Omics Facility is managed by the Trans-Omics Facility Committee.

(Eligibility for Use)

3. The following individuals are eligible to use the Trans-Omics Facility:

1. Members affiliated with the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) or the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS).

2. Researchers conducting joint research with faculty members of the respective departments or research facilities.

3. Researchers intending to use the equipment for joint research with faculty members.

4. Researchers approved through NIBB’s open call for joint research applications.

5. Other individuals approved by the Chairperson of the Trans-Omics Facility.

(Application and Approval for Use)

4. Individuals wishing to use the Trans-Omics Facility must submit an “Application for Use of Analytical Equipment” (Form 1) at the beginning of each fiscal year and obtain approval.

(Use of Instruments)

5. The following provisions apply to the use of instruments:

1. First-time users must contact the Trans-Omics Facility staff to receive instructions on instrument operation and precautions.

2. Priority for equipment use is given to individuals with confirmed reservations made online or onsite.

3. Users must document the necessary information in the designated notebook during equipment use.

4. In case of equipment malfunction, damage, or shortage of consumables, users must notify the Trans-Omics Facility immediately and record the issue in the notebook.

5. Detailed guidelines for equipment use are specified in the “How to Use” document.

(Cost of Measurement)

6. Users are responsible for the costs of reagents, consumables, and other expenses associated with instrument use. (Service measurement fees will be specified separately.)

(Repair Expenses)

7. Users shall bear the cost of repairs for equipment malfunctions or damage caused by their negligence.

(Hours of Use)

8. Facility hours are generally from 9:00 to 17:15. Use of the facility outside these hours is the user's responsibility.

(Research Reports)

9. Users must acknowledge the Trans-Omics Facility in any publications resulting from their research. After publication, a PDF copy or printed version of the paper must be submitted to the Trans-Omics Facility. The facility should be credited as “NIBB Trans-Omics Facility”.

Flexible ddRAD-seq (link)

Research Support Award, Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (FY2021)

Recipients: Tomoko Mori (Technical Staff, Chief of Technical Division), Yumiko Makino (Technical Staff, Unit Chief of Technical Division), Katsushi Yamaguchi (Technical Staff, Chief Technician), and Takahiro Bino (Technical Staff).

Awarded for: "Technical Contribution of the Inter-University Core Facility to Biological Research."

https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/houdou/mext_00547.html

https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20210414-mxt_sinkou01-000013957_4.pdf

Seiichi Tejima Research Award for Research Paper (Tokyo Institute of Technology, National University Corporation) (2017)

Recipients: Noriko Ueki, Takahiro Ide, Shota Mochiji, Yuki Kobayashi, Ryutaro Tokutsu, Norikazu Ohnishi, Katsushi Yamaguchi, Shuji Shigenobu, Kan Tanaka, Jun Minagawa, Toru Hisabori, Masafumi Hirono, Ken-Ichi Wakabayashi (our staff underlined).

Awarded for: "Eyespot-dependent determination of the phototactic sign in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii"

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 113(19), 5299–5304. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1525538113

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