Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Center

Established in 2004, the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Center (MBBC) is a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shared research and teaching facility that consists of several laboratories and offices in the east wing on the third floor of the Shineman Center. 

Expertise

DNA
DNA sequencing, chromosomal and plasmid purification, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, cDNA cloning, transformation of competent cells, DNA polymorphism analysis, DNA labeling.

RNA
Purification, agarose gel electrophoresis, Northern analysis, RT-PCR, in vitro transcription, RNA sequence analysis.

Protein
Expression, purification, SDS-PAGE, Western analysis, 2-D PAGE, enzyme kinetics, in vitro translation, radiolabeled competition analysis, MALDI-TOF analysis, inhibition studies, coupled enzymatic reactions.

Cell biology
Mammalian cell culture, bacterial cell culture, apoptosis studies, cytotoxicity screens (growth inhibition/cell kill, IC50), subcellular fractionation, intracellular protein trafficking.

Computer skills 
DNA and protein sequence analysis (secondary structure prediction, specific motif identification, database searches, and hydropathy, similarity and amphipathicity analyses) using SeqWeb and bioinformatics web sites (NCBI, SwissProt, Expasy, etc.), 2-D PAGE analysis software (ImageMaster), Statistics Programs (SPSS, GraphPad), Adobe Photoshop.

Major equipment

• Sorvall WX80 ultracentrifuge
• Beckman high-speed centrifuges (2)
• Bio-TEK microplate reader and plate washer
• Bio Rad DCode Universal Mutation Detection System
• -80°C freezers
• Biosafety Level 2 hoods
• Scintillation counter 
• Kodak gel documentation system

Other equipment
Water, gas, and air are all on line. Adequate bench space, sinks, and fume hoods for hazardous volatile materials are also present. The research lab is equipped with microfuges, PAGE and agarose electrophoresis equipment, electrophoresis power supplies, gel drying system, thermocyclers, UV crosslinker, bacterial shaking incubators (4-80°C), hybridization oven, Spectronic UV/Vis spectrophotometer, dissolved oxygen monitor, analytical balances, and a vacufuge. Complete and separate work areas for mammalian cell culture and work with radioisotopes are also available.  Adjacent to the MBBC is a 4°C walk-in refrigerated room and an autoclave.