 |
Home |
|
Investigators |
|
Speaker Schedule |
|
Microarray
Module |
|
Imaging Module |
|
Proteomics Module |
|
Publications |
The recent application of microarray technology to diverse fields of biology has resulted in demonstrated effectiveness of this method for gene expression analysis. The general goal of the microarray module is to facilitate the application of microarrays to biological problems specifically related to eye research. In particular we will focus on the development of microarrays containing eye-related gene sequences and the application of these arrays towards measuring gene expression changes in the development and pathogenesis of various eye tissues. Specifically, there will are three goals of this module: 1) to assist Core Grant investigators develop microarrays containing human and mouse eye related gene sequences, 2) to validate the ability of these human and mouse arrays to detect changes in gene expression through independent assays such as quantitative PCR, Northern analysis or validated microarray systems such as Affymetrix GeneChip arrays, and 3) to assist participating investigators in the use of these microarrays for their NEI funded research projects.
Resources
The Microarray Core Module takes advantage
of the existing DNA Microarray Core Facility at TSRI. Methods and reagents
for image and data analysis and microarray controls (such as housekeeping
genes and synthetic RNA controls) have already been developed and are
currently in use on other projects. These will be readily adapted for
use on the eye-specific microarrays proposed for the Microarray Core Module.
During the initial phase of eye-specific microarray development, the Microarray
Core Facility's Core grant-supported Research Technician will compile
a list of candidate gene sequences based on consultation with the prospective
user group. A strategy will be developed to assemble printing material
in the form of PCR products derived from clones, RT PCR reactions and/or
long (75 bp) oligonucleotides synthesized to hybridize to cDNAs for each
targeted gene sequence. Microarrays will be printed from these nucleic
acid sources and tested on well-characterized systems to validate the
ability of the microarrays to measure changes in gene expression.
Once the eye-specific microarrays are validated, the Research Technician,
will accept RNA samples from participating NEI funded researchers for
analysis. Samples will be labeled, hybridized to the microarrays and scanned
in the Microarray Core Module. Image files will be quantified and the
resulting data files will be returned to the appropriate investigator.
Assistance with data analysis tools and methods will also be provided
to participating NEI funded researchers. Computer workstations with data
and image analysis software (GeneSpring, ImaGene) will be made available
in the Microarray Core Module.
Another application of this module to individual investigator's projects is the standard array analysis of investigator-provided eye tissues. RNA is typically provided by the investigator and subsequent steps in the microarray analysis will be performed by the Core facility.
For information regarding this site, contact Suzanne Bacon: bacons@scripps.edu
© 2003 The Scripps Research Institute - All Rights Reserved