| | DIRP Microarray Core Facility - Services Provided
| Labeling
and Hybridization |
| The
slides provided will be fully processed prints, ready
for hybridization by the user. Current protocols describing
methods for RNA isolation, production of labeled cDNA
representations of the RNA, and hybridization will be
available as text and in downloadable form the core
web site. The core will provide hands-on training for
first users. The user will be expected to provide all
of the reagents called for in the protocol, for an experiment
to be carried out at the core laboratory. However, it
may be more practical for the first time user to consult
with an Investigator whose laboratory is already undertaking
microarray studies, and obtain more in-depth oversight
of the experiments. |
| Laser
Scanning |
| Two
laser scanners are available at the core. However, because
of the speed of the scanning (50 minutes each slide)
the users will be required to reserve scanning time
on the sign-up sheets for the scanners. The core will
also provide technical advice on how to use the scanners.
Once again, based upon the time demands on the core
facility scanners, it may be more practical for investigators
to arrange to use a scanner being used in individual
laboratories already undertaking microarray studies,
and obtain more in-depth oversight of the scanning and
acquisition of data. |
| Data
Analysis |
The
Bio-Informatics group will provide training on the primary
data extraction and analysis of the microarray data.
The primary tool used for this process, and the only
image software supported by the microarray core, is
a suite of image analysis utilities called DeArray.
Training in the use of more sophisticated analytical
tools will not be provided, however, access to a variety
of tools for gene and sample class discovery, and tools
for examining the differential behavior of genes across
samples is available via the internet.
Thus, in summary,
the microarray core will provide arrays and advice/information
about the use of microarrays. The preparation of samples,
hybridization, data acquisition and analysis will be
the responsibility of the Investigator.
|
| Obtaining
Arrays from the Core |
NIMH
principal invetigators interested in obtaining microarrays
should submit their request in writing to:
Husseini
K Manji, MD, Chair, NIMH Microarray Users Committe.
The request should include a brief (one page) description
of the proposed study, the number of and type (ie mouse
or human) of slides requested, and any other special
considerations.
Orders for less than 10 arrays should be readily available.
Orders larger than 10 arrays may experience an increased
fulfillment period.
The information contained here has been largely derived
from the NHGRI array core facility, and the assistance
of Abdel. G. Elkahloun, Ph.D. , Microarray unit director,CGB-NHGRI-NIH
is gratefully acknowledged. |
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