Microarray Facility Core
In conjunction with the Central Services Laboratory of OSU’s Center for Gene Research and Biotechnology, MFBSC personnel are creating DNA arrays suited to the needs of toxicology, immunology, cancer and endocrinology research using rainbow trout. The arrays are built using custom designed 70-mer oligonucleotide probes; these are intended to detect transcripts of trout orthologs of important human genes involved in the physiological processes mentioned above, as well as genes originally described in the trout. The arrays target ~1448 trout genes that are transcriptionally regulated in many tissues including liver, pronephros, brain (including pituitary), spleen, leukocytes and possibly the gut, gills and skin. Several research projects at OSU are using these arrays for studies in toxicology, carcinogenesis, fish health, stress physiology and comparative immunology. Researchers with interests in the use of this technology are encouraged to contact ChrisBayne@science.oregonstate.edu for exploratory discussions. A variety of arrangements can be made, including those whereby the investigator’s lab does a significant amount of the bench work (RNA extraction, quality testing, cDNA production and labeling, hybridizing the arrays, and analyzing the data). For a fee, CSL personnel may do some of these things. A description of the facility is available on line (http://www.cgrb.orst.edu/CSL/custom.html), and both prices and sample protocols are provided. Independently manufactured cDNA arrays for salmonids are available from a Canadian consortium (GRASP). Drs. David Williams and George Bailey have found these useful in their research. Dr. Robert Tanguay is directing an effort in the CSL to produce custom arrays for zebrafish. |
