The human genome project and the development of new high-throughput technologies have created unparalleled opportunities to study the mechanism of diseases, monitor the disease progression and evaluate effective therapies. Gene expression profiling is a critical tool to accomplish these goals. Because these high throughput technologies require expensive infrastructure and extensive technical expertise, they are not yet available to most investigators. In response to the RFA DK-00-002 for "NIDDK biotechnology centers", the goal of this proposal is to expand our cDNA microarray facility and make it available to a large number of NIDDK funded investigators from 4 major research universities. Our specific aims are:

1. To establish a high throughput cDNA microarray facility and provide services to NIDDK-funded investigators. A cDNA microarray facility currently exists in the PI’s laboratory. This facility uses the robotic spotting system and scanner from Genetic Microsystems. We currently have 11,520 mouse cDNA clones and 40,000 human sequence-verified clones. We are requesting resources for the following purposes. a) To increase the capacity of the microarray facility through purchase of additional equipment, computers, software, and cDNA clones. b) To develop software for automatic sample and data tracking and storage, statistical evaluation of arrays (quality control, reproducibility), innovative web-based data mining and statistical analysis. c) To perform microarray analysis for center participants. We also plan to distribute arrays at cost for other investigators.

2. To establish a training/education program for microarray technologies. The center will assume the responsibility to educate and train the participants on applications of gene expression profiling, experimental design and protocols, data management (navigation of our secure web site & retrieval of their own array data), data analysis and data interpretation. Both workshop and individualized training for theory and hands-on bench work will be provided.

3. To improve microarray assay sensitivity through our R&D effort. We will evaluate: a) new labeling fluorophores (near infrared fluorophores from Li-Cor: IRD700 and IRD800), b) new labeling schemes using the rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology, and c) alternative methods for attaching the target DNA to the surface of slides.
 

Visit our Site Map to see what is available or use the navigation menu to the left.