Optical Imaging

They include several advanced facilities for optical imaging such as instrumentation for image acquisition and analysis using state-of-the-art laser confocal microscopy (both in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum), transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence light microscopy together with complete support facilities for specimen preparation, sectioning etc. Extensive facilities for all aspects of immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and quantitative morphology are available. In addition, the Center maintains tissue culture facilities that include a BL-2 lab for work with human tissue.

Molecular Biology

Recombinant DNA research laboratories within the Center are well equipped to aid in the study of gene expression. They range from simple units for gel electrophoresis to computer assisted real-time quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for the highly sensitive and quantitative detection of messenger RNA transcripts, even those produced at very low levels in minute quantities of starting material. The Center has access to the Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory which provides a full range of services in protein and nucleic acid sequencing, synthesis and analysis. In addition, the Center has access to transgenic and knock out mice facility that generates transgenic mice by microinjection of blastocysts, and knockout mice by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells followed by microinjection.

Electrophysiology

The Center maintains extensive facilities for electrophysiology studies, allowing the electrical activity of nerve cells to be examined under a wide variety of experimental conditions. For instance, researchers at the Center can monitor the recovery of nerve conduction following nerve injury and characterize the molecular pharmacology of individual ion channels that might be involved in neuronal activity. Patch clamp laboratories within the Center are equipped with recording setups that permit electrical currents from specific types of channels to be distinguished and studied. There are also electrophysiology laboratories that are specially designed for spinal cord recordings and for the study of injured axons using techniques that include sucrose gap recordings, intra-axonal electrophysiology and voltage sensitive dye.

Computing and Bioinformatics

Facilities include multiple terminals, printers, scanners and microcomputers for the general use of members to aid in image analysis, nucleic acid and protein database searches, and other computational intensive research applications.

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