# ShEEP Request for QIAGEN QIAcube Connect System

> **NIH VA IS1** · JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · —

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 This application seeks funding to purchase a Qiagen QIAcube Connect System. This instrument is a
cutting-edge, next generation benchtop automated DNA sample preparation system configured for microbiome
workflow. It will be partnered with our existing Illumina MiSeq system (ShEEP funded, 2018) and our
Eppendorf epMotion automated pipetting robot to eliminate tedious manual steps in DNA extraction, increase
accuracy and reliability, and maximize throughput in our 16S rRNA gene sequencing projects. Like the MiSeq,
the QIAcube will support studies of the gut microbiome by our VA-funded investigators. The QIAcube enables
use of well-established QIAGEN spin-column kits currently in use in our lab (manual processing) so we can
continue to use QIAGEN-based chemistry to increase efficiency. The QIAcube Connect integrates a centrifuge,
heated shaker, pipetting system and a robotic gripper allowing full automation of more than 80 spin columns
per run. The workstation has a built-in UV light for efficient decontamination of the worktable, critical when
extracting nucleotides from samples in the same workspace. The workstation contains a tablet allowing for
simplified sample preparation and provides real-time feedback on run progress. The barcode scanner on the
QIAcube automatically uploads kit information to the screen, streamlining run preparation. The instrument also
has a variety of pre-installed protocols for DNA isolation and purification and is based on existing approaches
used in our QIAGEN reagents for sample lysis, binding, washing and elution. To give an impression of the
effectiveness of this instrument, a recent 16S rRNA gene sequencing study in our lab involved 350 samples
(fecal pellets). The manual processing of the samples to isolate DNA took a research associate 20 workdays to
complete, working 8 hours per day. The QIAcube would reduce this preparation time (40 min per 48-sample
run) to ~5-6 hr of instrument time. The QIAcube system will allow expansion of ongoing, currently funded
research on the following projects of our 3 major and 2 minor users: 1) The Kuhn lab is studying the role of the
gut microbiome in Gulf War Veterans Illness as well as in repetitive mild traumatic brain injury; 2) the Mateika
lab is studying the role of serotonin in respiratory function in spinal cord injury and how respiratory and sleep
alterations associated with spinal cord injury are modulated by the gut microbiome; 3) the Rossi lab is studying
the role of high fructose intake via the diet in regulating blood pressure responses to salt, and we have already
started a collaborative project with Dr. Rossi on this subject; 4) the Theis lab is collaborating with the PI on a
VA funded project to study the role of the gut microbiome in Gulf War Veterans Illness. Dr. Theis is also the
resident expert on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics and his expertise is critical to this program of
research. Dr. Theis is a VA researcher in our R&...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10174157
- **Project number:** 1IS1BX005515-01
- **Recipient organization:** JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Donald M Kuhn
- **Activity code:** IS1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-10-01 → 2021-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10174157

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10174157, ShEEP Request for QIAGEN QIAcube Connect System (1IS1BX005515-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10174157. Licensed CC0.

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