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Shared use facilities
Shared use facilities
There are a number of
shared use facilities that are supported by the University which enable the faculty to offer training in state-of-the-art
methods in cellular and molecular approaches to biomedical research. The
following are the major facilities that are available to the training faculty,
students, and postdoctorals. Some of these facilities are supported in part by
a fee for service while others are supported completely from University funds.
The University allocates more than $2 million
annually in support of these facilities.
Biomedical
Image Processing Facility. This
biomedical image processing facility has the following capabilities: real-time
acquisition and analysis of video image sequences (including those from
fluorescent microscopy); a large menu of black/white and color processing
software for filtering, densitometry, cell counting, particle size analysis,
morphometry, etc; 3-dimensional reconstruction from 2-dimensional serial
sections for anatomical road mapping, computer-aided design of custom implants
and mapping of biomedical information on anatomical images and 3 dimensional
motion analysis involving the tracking of identifiable targets, and in-flow
systems to determine spatial relationships, velocities and accelerations of
segments, components and/or particles.
Biostatistics
Consulting Unit. This unit provides
a broad array of biostatistical and epidemiological consulting services to
faculty, staff and graduate students in the Medical Center. Services include
biostatistical consulting to investigators; development of the experimental
design and analysis sections of grants; statistical consulting advice, and short
courses for students and postdoctorals.
Cell Analysis
and Sorting Facility. This facility
provides state-of-the-art analysis and sorting of single cell populations for
research. The facility houses a Cytomation MoFlo cell sorter with three lasers
and high-speed cell sorting capability, and a Becton-Dickinson FacsCalibur cell
analyzer as well as a computer system with software programs for
immunofluorescence analysis, cell analysis and kinetics programs. Researchers
can use facility equipment to analyze membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear antigen
expression, light-scattering properties, DNA content, cell cycles, and
apoptosis, as well as measure intracellular biochemical changes such as calcium
flux and pH.
Center for
Structural Biology. This center
supports basic research in structure-function relationships of biological
macromolecules. It relies on the application of x-ray crystallography and
nuclear magnetic resonance to solve molecular structures. This is a central,
interdisciplinary facility that operates a Rigaku x-ray beam generator and
detector, a staffed core laboratory for the production and crystallization of
biological materials, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, and
high-resolution graphics workstations for molecular modeling data processing and
analysis. Trained staff are available to provide information on sample
preparation, instruction on the use of facility instrumentation and advice on
all aspects of data analysis. X-ray crystallographic data (Brookhaven and
Cambridge Data Banks) can be accessed directly from the facility. The Center is
part of the Southeast regional consortium providing it with part ownership and
access to a state-of-the-art x-ray synchrotron radiation source at the Argonne
National labs.
DNA Sequence
Facility. This facility has updated
computer programs on a Sun workstation to enable faculty to compare DNA or
protein sequences and to analyze and manipulate DNA and protein sequence data
for molecular studies involving analysis of protein structure and function, gene
cloning and gene regulation.
Electron and Confocal
Microscopy Facility. This facility
provides researchers with sophisticated capabilities in electron and optical
imaging and analytical microscopy. The facility offers a high-resolution
transmission electron microscope (TEM), a high-resolution digital transmission
electron microscope with X-ray analysis and STEM, a three laser confocal
microscope attached to an upright microscope for three-color separation of
photofluours, and a multiphoton confocal microscope with four-color detection of
ultraviolet to infrared spectrums. A workstation for digital image processing
and color printing is available. The facility has two trained full-time staff
available to provide assistance and training or to analyze materials for other
researchers.
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility.
High speed and contrast-enhanced imaging and spectroscopy of the central nervous
system are available for basic, applied and clinical research. The Center has
computational facilities dedicated to image processing and spectral analysis
linked to the various institution-wide networks. This facility is unique in that
it has an animal 4.7 Tesla MRI spectroscopy unit and a large (human) 1.5 Tesla
Siemens Magnetom Vision scanner with high-performance gradients, echoplanar
whole-body imaging and multinuclear spectroscopic capabilities for both human
and animal studies. Computing facilities, electronic and fabrication shops, and
biochemistry laboratories support magnetic resonance and spectroscopy studies.
Scientific and technical personnel are available to assist with development of
MR sequences and procedures, and image processing and analysis.
Mass
Spectroscopy and Proteomics Facility.
This facility provides service and collaboration on projects requiring the use
of modern mass spectrometry including their application to proteomics. Services
include method development and advice on the application of mass spectrometry to
a particular problem. Instrumentation includes high resolution, high mass
equipment for the measurement of positive and negative ion mass spectra using
electron impact, chemical ionization and fast atom bombardment. The facility
has recently acquired a Ciphergen SELDI-TOF system for analysis of various
samples and for the detection of biomarkers. Spectra can be obtained via direct
introduction or by coupling with gas or liquid chromatography. Accurate mass
measurement can be done at low or high resolving power and can be applied to
polar, high molecular weight compounds such as polypeptides, complex lipids and
oligonucleotides. The facility assists in the identification of proteins from
2-D gels or SDS-PAGE.
Microarray
Core facility. This relatively new
core provides up-to-date equipment for analyzing genes using commercial and
custom-made arrays. Among the equipment it houses are an Affymetrix genearray
scanner, an Affymetrix gene chip fluidic work-station, and an Affymetrix DNA
arrayer. The core staff assists in the analysis of data and train individuals
on the use of the facility. The University provides funds for the purchase of
chips and the cost of operation.
Transgenic
Mouse Facility. This facility
provides researchers with state-of-the‑art support for the introduction of
recombinant DNA into the mouse germ-line via microinjection. A fully trained
technician performs all surgical and microinjection procedures involved in
transgenic mouse production. The laboratory is equipped with a Nikon Diaphot-TMD
microscope with a Hoffman modulation contrast optic system and two Narashige
micro-manipulators. Researchers supply the facility with recombinant DNA in a
form suitable for microinjection; the facility will advise researchers on
methods of preparing DNA for microinjection and transgenic mouse analysis, and
it offers cryopreservation of mouse sperm and rederivation of cryopreserved
mouse lines.
Sanders-Brown
Center on Aging. This facility
provides researchers with state-of-the-art support and training in mechanism of
CNS aging and dementia (such as HIV-related dementia). Brain bank and autopsied
human CNS tissue is available for study.
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