Welcome to our DNAm Project Guide & Resources page. The details below are intended to help you set up your DNA methylation project and to answer some FAQs about the process.
Step 1. Choosing the Methylation Platform for Your Study, and Knowing the Costs
We provide a few different platforms for running methylation and epigenetic clock studies. For human studies, we typically use the EPIC methylation platform, and here is an overview of the typical workflow.
Background on Mammalian Array and EPIC Methylation Platforms:
Mammalian / Preclinical studies - Mammal40K overview doc
Mouse studies - Mammal320K overview doc
Human clinical samples - EPIC overview doc
Human in vitro studies - EPIC overview doc
**Cost information** The costs of each platform are shown at the end of each overview document. Currently, for processing of DNA samples, it is $260/DNA sample for the EPIC array platform, $215/DNA sample for the Mammal320K mouse platform, and $160/DNA sample for the Mammal40K platform. The cost of DNA extraction is an additional $35 per blood or tissue sample. Note: Starting in 2024, all mammalian array projects are also subject to a 30% indirect fee.
Step 2. Understanding the Sample Prep Details & Sample Number to Submit
Here is a link to "Basic instructions about sample prep" from Prof. Horvath. It contains details about DNA extraction and how to arrange DNA samples on the plate, to prevent confounding by chip.
If you plan to submit blood or tissue samples rather than DNA, that's okay! We can perform DNA extraction on blood samples and on most tissues for a fee of $35 per sample.
**Sample Number should be Multiple of 8 for Human Samples, and 12 for Mammalian Array Samples** - For preclinical mammalian array projects, the samples are processed in groups of 12. As a result, we only accept submissions in multiples of 12, so 12, 24, 36, etc. For human samples run on EPIC methylation arrays, the samples are processed in groups of 8. Accordingly, we only accept submissions in multiples of 8, so 8, 16, 24, etc., and if a different amount is submitted we'll need to bill for a larger amount. If you need to fill a few spots, we recommend submitting some technical replicates.
Step 3. Receive Your CF Project Code, and Send in Your Samples
Once you submit project details, you will receive a project code, which typically is in the format: "ET500", "ET501", etc. Once you receive this project code, you can ship your samples to us. You will receive an email with this project code and it will be shown on your Projects Dashboard.
Sample submission - instructions doc
Sample sheet - template sample sheet
**When submitting samples, always add your sample sheet and the shipment tracking information to the project.** You can also email us this information directly at: shipping@clockfoundation.org
Step 4. Check Status on Projects Dashboard, Including Billing & Sample Status
You will receive status notifications by email that will alert you once the samples are received, once they've been batched for processing, and if there are any issues with the project.
**Once your samples have been batched, it typically is 2-3 weeks before the initial results and analysis are available. Results will be shared with you by a shared folder.**
As needed, quotes, invoices, and billing details will be added to your project dashboard also. For billing questions, please email us at: billing@clockfoundation.org
We look forward to working with you, and if you have any questions please let us know! - the Clock Foundation team