Molecular Biology Shared Resource

University Of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY SHARED RESOURCE The Molecular Biology Shared Resource (MBSR) was created in 2009 to bring together into one consolidated operation the Genomics Facility and the Molecular Biology/High-Throughput Screening (MB/HTS) Facility. The merger enhanced the communication between the cores, maximized the utilization of staff expertise, and raised the quality of services used by representatives of all Cancer Center programs. The MBSR offers: 1) next-generation sequencing (Illumina), single-cell genomics (10xGenomics), NanoString targeted gene expression assays, and Sanger sequencing; 2) genome-wide siRNA and small-molecule chemical (>100K) HTS screening, 3) high-content imaging and analysis, and 4) multi-analyte profiling using Luminex xMAP technologies. The resource provides free consultation to every researcher regarding experimental design, budget estimates, results, and data assessment, and is a significant resource for molecular biological reagents, information, and training in molecular biological techniques and analysis software. The MBSR is under the direction and oversight of two Co-Directors who manage the day-to-day activities of the Facility. In this regard, Dr. David Kelly oversees the MB/HTS Facility located in the BCC, and Dr. James Eudy oversees the Genomics Facility located in the Durham Research Center II, both on the UNMC campus. Six technical staff members are employed in the MBSR with personnel extensively cross-trained to perform virtually all services and to operate virtually all instrumentation and equipment. The MBSR is one of the most widely used BCC Shared Resource, supporting over 184 biomedical laboratories in the UNMC research community, of which approximately 53% are laboratories led by BCC investigators in the BCC research programs (Targets, Probes, and Delivery, Cancer Biology Program, and Gastrointestinal Cancer Program). To meet the rapidly changing needs of and to inform BCC investigators, the MBSR personnel conduct workshops, speak at local seminars, attend Cancer Center program meetings and multi-investigator project meetings, and present at laboratory meetings. Moreover, they attend national and regional technology conferences to learn the latest technologies, techniques, and methods.