GLYCAN ARRAY SCREENING
Processing of Requests for Glycan Array Analysis
Protein-Glycan Interaction Core has developed a process for receiving samples and reporting data that encompasses communication, sample handling, glycan array manufacture, standardized assays, data processing, data upload, and data dissemination. The policy is to send all data from completed projects to the web site in a timely manner. Once the data is uploaded and 'finalized' it becomes available to members of the Consortium and 6 weeks later it is automatically made public on the Consortium Website. The current mechanism for handling requests is a multi-step process:
- The Core receives notification that a resource request has been submitted.
- The Core Director determines if Protein-Glycan Interaction Core has the resources to support the request and notifies the Steering Committee via a comment on the website.
- The Core is notified by the SC that the request is approved or conditionally approved after their bi-weekly meeting.
- The Core informs the PI that the request has been approved or conditionally approved, sends instructions to the PI to visit the website and add the required sample information,,and return the assay information form to the Core by email.
-The completed sample information entry online contains enough information to define the Glycan (Carbohydrate) Binding Protein (GBP) in the database.
-The completed assay information form contains sufficient information to permit the Core Director and staff to design the analysis.
- When the completed assay information form is received via email:
- The Core reviews the sample information entry(ies) on the website and the assay information. If all information is included, Protein-Glycan Interaction Core sends an email to the PI with the instructions for shipping the sample(s). This includes when to ship the sample(s) based on the Core’s sample queue. All requests are followed by the request number that was assigned when the PI initiated the request. It is very important for the PI to include that request number on the subject line of all communications with the Core (especially email and shipping information) so that thecommunications can easily be trace. This process ensures that the Core only receives samples for approved requests with completed sample/assay information.
- Protein-Glycan Interaction Core initiates a server folder under the request number and the communicating investigator's name or PI’s name. This folder contains the assay information form(s) and will contain all additional files and data relating to the request.
- When sample is received, the Core logs the sample(s) into the sample receiving log (hard copy and electronic), properly stores the sample(s), and initiates a paper folder and status page under the request number and the PI’s name.
-Core Director/Project Coordinator completes a Glycan Array Processing Form (GAPF) that describes the experiment for each sample being analyzed. The GAPF becomes a written record of the analysis and is stored as a hard copy in the folder for future reference to support any publication of the data. The completed GAPF identifies the request number, communicating investigator/PI, sample names, exact experimental conditions to be used, sample description, storage conditions, and places for the Technical Staff to add all information regarding slide number(s) used, deviations from directed conditions, and reagent information. In addition, we have implemented an electronic version of the GAPF to maintain both a hard copy and an electronic copy to ensure that the assay information is not lost.
- Core Director/Project Coordinator then provides the Technical Staff with a folder containing the GAPF and assay information form(s).
- Protein-Glycan Interaction Core organizes the anticipated workload and schedules the assays.
- Core Director, Project Coordinator, and Technical Staff are in constant communication to discuss the analyses, the conditions of the assays, any problems or questions, etc.
- When the assays are complete, the file with hard copies of the histogram and associated data are returned to the Core Director/Project Coordinator for review and the results are sent by email to the Participating Investigator.
- When the Core Director and Investigator agree that the data are interpretable, the data are uploaded to the website by Core, finalized, and made accessible to the PI (if he/she is a member), Coordinator and the Directors of other Cores. Results that are considered negative or non-interpretable are uploaded in a non interactive format on the website so that it will be possible to know what samples have been analyzed and the conditions that gave no interpretable results on the glycan array.
Alert to investigators using the Glycan Array Screening Resource
The new 'Sample Information Management' page has been implemented for all samples being sent to Protein-Glycan Interaction Core. This process allows the Participating Investigators (PIs) to enter their sample information directly to the website rather than submitting the information to Core in Microsoft Word documents.
When a request is approved by the Steering Committee, Protein-Glycan Interaction Core will still send the PI an email, which will now contain the instructions for proceeding to the website and entering sample information.
For more information. Please contact the Director:
David F. Smith, Ph.D.
Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Biochemistry
1510 Clifton Rd - Room 4035
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: 404-727-6155
E-Mail: coreh@emory.edu
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