Facilities and Labs

DNA Microarray Facility

The DNA Microarray Facility was established in 2003 to support the Gene Expression Core directed by Dr. Russell Thomas.

The DNA Microarray Facility has an Affymetrix GeneChip® System and Applied Biosystems real-time RT-PCR instrumentation. Together, the combined instrumentation provides the capability of looking at large numbers of genes in a relatively small number of samples (microarrays) or a small number of genes in a relatively large number of samples (real-time RT-PCR). The ability to measure altered gene transcription using these tools permits the development of inclusive hypotheses regarding molecular and cellular targets of environmental chemicals.

The Gene Expression Core has made a substantial commitment for the purchase of several hundred arrays. These arrays will include a combination of commercial arrays from Affymetrix, Inc. and proprietary arrays constructed by outside collaborators on the Affymetrix platform. Together, the current microarray capabilities will provide whole-genome coverage for human and mouse gene expression studies and over 30,000 genes for rat studies.