Core Facilities
Children’s Memorial Research Center members enjoy use of core facilities and regulatory research oversight committees, assistance with intellectual property development, assistance with grant applications and notification of funding opportunities, access to workshops, research seminars, scientific mentoring and collaborations, funding for basic and clinical research, pilot projects and bridge support, expansion of the clinical research infrastructure, and access to Xenobase.
Biostatistics Research Core (BRC) provides statistical services for faculty investigators. Services include consultation on study design and statistical analysis, guidance on statistical issues for grants and manuscripts, critically reviewing research progress and writing sections related to statistical analysis. Ying Zhou, PhD, Gang Zhang, MS and Karen Rychlik, MS are the core’s statisticians.
DNA Sequencing Core (Christina Smith, manager) provides research center investigators access to high-quality automated DNA sequencing technology. Turnaround time is very short; results are made available within 48-72 hours of sample submission. The core accepts DNA samples (pure plasmids, mini-prep plasmids, M13 clones, PCR products, gel isolated fragments) and processes them according to protocols for Applied Biosystems DNA Sequencers (Model 3730).
Fish Facility (Jacek Topczewski, PhD, director) provides rearing and maintenance of the research center’s zebrafish populations, in support of research projects in development, cancer biology, neurobiology and regeneration. An important component is the zebrafish manipulation and observation room, equipped with microscopes outfitted with high-end digital cameras and specialized instruments for RNA, DNA and oligonucleotide microinjection, cell transplantation and embryo incubators.
Flow Cytometry Facility is equipped with a user-friendly FACSCalibur flow cytometer that provides a convenient way to perform live cell immunophenotyping, viability study and DNA analysis. A FACSAria cell sorter is also available in the High-Speed Cell Sorting Facility.
iPS and Human Stem Cell Core Facility (Vasil Galat, PhD, director; Philip Iannaccone, MD, PhD, co-director) isolates and studies the biology of stem cells. The focus is genetic regulation of lineage, utilization for therapy and the study of human disease. We are establishing partnerships with IVF clinics nationwide and developing tools for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).
Microarray Facility processes samples starting from total RNA or cRNA. From total RNA, we synthesize double stranded cDNA, perform in vitro transcription reactions, fragment and hybridize labeled cRNA on test chips, wash and stain, scan and perform basic analysis. Higher level analysis is available. From cRNA, we hybridize labeled cRNA on test chips, wash and stain, scan and perform basic analysis.
Microscopy and Imaging Facility (William Goossens, manager) is a shared resource with full access to the Children’s Memorial research community. Our researchers have unlimited access to the latest and best technological tools. The facility also provides technical support and training on our instruments, including light and fluorescent microscopes, confocal laser scanning microscopes, digital image processing and analysis and darkroom facilities.
Pritzker Research Library (Peggy Murphy, MILS, manager) provides services and collections for the Children’s Memorial research community. Literature searches, funding opportunity searches, current awareness, interlibrary loans and training are offered. A collection of journal articles published by members is maintained, and recent articles are made available on publication. The library’s web site lists numerous resources, including databases and protocols.
Research Histology Facility (Samantha Gadd, PhD, manager) at Children’s Memorial Hospital assists investigators by providing high quality research histology services. We produce sections from frozen and paraffin-embedded tissues, and routine hematoxylin and eosin stained slides; and perform special stains and immunohistochemistry. With these tools, investigators are able to evaluate the pathologic consequences of disease processes in a quick, cost-effective and reproducible manner.