Molecular Biology Core

 


High-Throughput Screening. 

The Shared Resource provides services for all high-throughput screening applications to Cancer Center investigators.  Initially, these services will primarily involve applications and screens using the genome-wide human siARRAY®  siRNA library (Dharmacon/ Thermo Fisher Scientific) but will expand to other applications as other small-molecule and chemical libraries are acquired.

 Specifically, the facility will:

  • Resuspend, distribute, and store siRNA screening sets into 96- and 384-well formats.

  • Provide positive and negative universal control siRNAs.

  •  Perform HTS processes of cell plating and transfection.

  • Perform HTS steps of endpoint and readout assays.

  • Provide protocols and assistance in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data management.

  • Maintain all instrumentation and assist in ordering materials and reagents.

  •  Provide assistance with validation studies.

  • Provide special pricing on screening and validation reagents (e.g. siRNA, transfection reagents, and controls)

 Cancer Center investigators will:

  • Provide transfection reagents and assay-specific siRNA controls.

  • Provide cell lines, reagents, culture medium, plasticware, and disposables.

  • Provide read-out assay reagents.

  • Perform validation studies.

  • Provide technical assistance. 

The Shared Resource will recoup costs associated with the purchase of the siRNA library, set-up plasticware and reagents, labor, and service contracts on instrumentation via charge-back mechanism (~$5,700-$6,100/screen).  All other costs will be through direct purchase by each principal investigator.

 

High-Content Imaging and Analysis.  

In the future the Shared Resource anticipates offering Cancer Center investigators more extensive services and availability for high-content imaging applications, including training in the use of the ArrayScan VTI HCS Reader, Bioapplications, and Cellomics Store and Analysis database as well as provide consultation in the design of assays.  We will determine a rate of recharge based on hours of use calculated to cover service costs, maintenance, and operator time.