Project Summary (2000-2005)

The Molecular Biology Core Facility is a shared resource that provides and integrates a number of related molecular biology and biochemistry services. The overall goal is to provide these services in a low-cost, timely and high quality manner, using existing and pending state-of-the-art equipment and full-time technical personnel. This Core provides macromolecular (DNA, RNA, peptides, proteins) sequencing and synthesis services including standard and custom oligonucleotide synthesis; automated cycle DNA sequencing; peptide synthesis and purification; automated protein sequencing; LCQ-Mass spectral analysis macromolecules; and HPLC and PCR support services. Project investigators provide image generation and analysis services including phosphorimaging, digital densitometry and analysis; x-ray film processing; and flow cytometry. Additionally, the researchers provide support for development of molecular biomarkers including differential display analysis; ribonuclease protection assay analysis; Affymetrix-based cDNA/gene "chip" technology; user-generated custom cDNA array capabilities; cloning and sequencing support for newly identified sequences; support for computer-based sequence analysis; genetic polymorphism analysis; method development for potential protein and nucleic acid-based biomarkers for application in ecological and epidemiological tials as well as for further hypothesis testing in the more basic research projects.