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School of Medicine Columbia

Molecular Analysis

Molecular analysis delves into the examination of biological entities at the molecular level. Through techniques such as multiplexing, PCR, and protein analysis, molecular analysis unveils the genetic and molecular signatures crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of cellular function, disease pathology, and advancing targeted therapeutic approaches.

Available Equipment and Services

The BioPlex system is a multiplex analysis system that permits the simultaneous analysis of up to 200 different biomolecules (proteins, peptides, or nucleic acids) in a single microplate well. By multiplexing with the BioPlex system, researchers can dramatically increase the amount of useful information from rare or volume-limited samples, such as mouse or rat serum, and decipher complex interrelationships among proteins involved in signal transduction pathways. The microplate platform allows the automated analysis of 96-well plates with a throughput of more than 1,800 assay points (for a 23–plex assay) in 30 minutes. The BioPlex suspension array is built around three core technologies:

  • The first is the family of fluorescently dyed microspheres, or beads, from Luminex Corp.
  • The second is a flow cytometer with two lasers and associated optics to measure biochemical reactions that occur on the surface of the microspheres.
  • The third is a high-speed digital signal processor to efficiently manage the fluorescent output.

Applications

  • Multiplex analysis of cytokines and phosphoproteins with prepared kits available from BioRad
  • Multiplex analysis of a variety of proteins by conjugating antibodies to beads via kits available from BioRad

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor / Karmen Owen

The CFX96 Touch System is a powerful, precise, and flexible real-time PCR detection system. This six-channel (five colors and one FRET channel) real-time PCR instrument combines advanced optical technology with precise temperature control to deliver sensitive, reliable detection for singlexplex or multiplex reactions.

Quickly set up runs and monitor amplification traces in real time on the integrated LCD touch screen or use the included CFX Maestro Software to easily and intuitively design your experiment and analyze results from a connected computer. With up to five-target detection, unsurpassed thermal cycler performance, unrivaled stand-alone functionality, and powerful yet easy-to-use software, the CFX96 Touch System is designed to advance your qPCR.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

A rapid system for imaging, documentation, and analysis of gels and blots for nucleic acids, protein gels, and blots. The iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader is an eight-channel, vertical path length photometer that measures the absorbance of the contents in the wells of a 96 well microtitration plate.  It an perform single or dual wavelength measurements and can report absorbance values to three decimal places.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

Equipment Website

The Invitrogen iBright CL1500 Imaging system captures images and analyzes data from western blots and gels easily.  The iBright CL1500 supports the main imaging applications of chemiluminescent and colorimetric western blots, in addition to fluorescent stained nucleic acid gels, fluorescent stained protein gels, colorimetric stained protein gels, and colorimetric membrane stains.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor / Karmen Owen

The LiCor Odessey CLX is a quantitative western blot analyzer that utilizes infrared fluorescent detection to show distinct differences in protein expression. Infrared laser technology offers high-sensitivity detection at optimum wavelengths. With its unique wide, linear dynamic range, the Odessey can accurately detect both strong and weak bands on the same blot without needing multiple exposures. Lastly, with its own “built-in” darkroom, it eliminates the need for and costs on darkrooms and film.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

Micro-liter sample analysis of  nucleic acids   dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA, and Oligonucleotides, Labeling efficiency of proteins and protein dye, Bradford, Lowry, BCA, and Biuret applications.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

The QIAgility and Rotor-Gene Q Real time PCR equipment provides compact bench top instruments that enable a rapid, high-precision PCR setup. The unmatched versatility of the QIAgility means that almost all tube and plate formats are supported, as well as Rotor-Discs for the Rotor-Gene Q. The QIAgility is operated via a computer with easy-to-use software.

Applications

  • Automated PCR setup in all formats
  • Convenient, easy-to-use software
  • Standardized results and increased productivity
  • Elimination of manual pipetting steps
  • Seamless integration with QIAGEN sample technologies
  • Outstanding thermal and optical performance due to rotary format
  • An unmatched optical range spanning UV to infrared wavelengths
  • High performance in multiple applications with QIAGEN assays

Location

VA Building 9, Room 225

IRF Contacts

Anna Harper

Equipment Website

With a dedicated range of QIAsymphony Kits, the QIAsymphony SP enables sample preparation of DNA, RNA, and bacterial and viral nucleic acids from a wide range of starting materials. The QIAsymphony AS extends the capabilities of the QIAsymphony SP by integrating automated PCR assay setup, which, in combination with the Rotor-Gene Q and QIAGEN real-time and end-point PCR kits, enables you to optimize your PCR workflow and maximize your efficiency.

Applications

  • Purification of DNA and RNA from a wide range of samples
  • Automatic transfer of eluates to the QIAsymphony AS for assay setup
  • Continuous sample loading, with bar code reading for sample tracking
  • Import of sample lists and export of sample sheets

Location

VA Building 9, Room 225

IRF Contact

Anna Harper

Equipment Website

The CFX Connect Real-Time PCR Detection System offers two-target analysis, excellent thermal cycler specifications, and the same reliable performance as the CFX96 Touch™ Real-Time PCR Detection System. The system incorporates innovative optical technologies with powerful software to provide maximal reliability and efficiency for all your real-time PCR needs.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

Equipment Website

Real time PCR, in conjunction with the appropriate fluorescent detection strategies,  allows the initial amount of nucleic acid in a reaction to be determined. Advances in the technology have led to significant improvements in the accuracy of DNA quantitation and gene expression analysis. Quantitation is achieved by measuring the increase in fluorescence during the exponential phase of the PCR reaction. The system in the IRF is equipped for:

  • Three color analysis for amplification of three dependent targets
    TaqMan, Sybr Green, primer based system and molecular beacon analyses
  • Multiple sample block formats for 0.2ml tubes, 96 well plates and 384 well PCR plates
  • Real time display of data acquisition

Applications

  • Quantitative comparison of genes of interest in housekeeping genes in a single sample
  • Quantitative detection of gene expression in genetically modified organisms
  • Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
  • When used in conjunction with laser capture microdissection, real time PCR provides an excellent technique for comparison of genetic expression in specific cell types such as cancer vs. normal cells from a single region of tissue.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Lorain Junor

QIAGEN's real-time PCR cycler, the Rotor-Gene Q, combines multiple optimized design features to provide the outstanding performance and reliable results that your research demands. Together with optimized QIAGEN kits for real-time PCR, the Rotor-Gene Q enables streamlined analysis for a wide range of applications. Q-Rex Software is the new operating and analysis software for life science qPCR applications, with a plug-in concept that lets you add new functionality without affecting established workflows.

Location

VA Building 9, Room 225

IRF Contact

Anna Harper

Equipment Website

The TECAN Freedom robotic platform offers an advanced, proven and reliable liquid handling system for different scales and throughputs. The liquid handling and manipulative robotic arms provide an extendable work area and variable configurations. Freedom EVO workstations can automate a diverse range of applications including primary and secondary screening, cell growth and maintenance, nucleic acid sample preparation, hit picking, library management and sample weighing. Once the Freedom completes the specimen preparation the sample is automatically transferred to the integrated BioRad BioPlex 200 system for data acquisition and analysis.

Applications

  • Automated liquid handling for sample preparation and analysis
  • Multiplex analysis of cytokines and phosphoproteins with prepared kits available from BioRad
  • Multiplex analysis of a variety of proteins by conjugating antibodies to beads via kits available from BioRad

Location

VA Building 9, Room 225

IRF Contact

Anna Harper

Equipment Website

The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System is a plate-based digital PCR (dPCR) platform powered by proprietary microfluidic array plate (MAP) technology. that enables all the necessary steps for dPCR—compartmentalizing, thermal cycling, and data acquisition—to be conducted on a single instrument. The dPCR workflow is identical to the qPCR workflow you are familiar with to improve ease of use, minimize hands on steps, and maximize consistency.

dPCR overcomes variability and low accuracy by eliminating the need for a standard curve. The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System consists of just one instrument, consolidating all steps required into a single plate and transforming a multi-step multi-instrument workflow into a one-step qPCR-like workflow.

Location

IRF B60

IRF Contact

Jay Potts

 


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