The large-scale analysis of gene expression profiles was the first hallmark in the transition from structuralgenomics to functional genomics. Genomic-scale expression profiling experiments require large technicaland computational investments to facilitate both experimentation and the analysis of the large data setsproduced. These investments are beyond the capabilities of most laboratories or small groups. To provideaccess to these important technologies, the DMA Microarray Core, operating within the Vanderbilt MicroarrayShared Resource (VMSR) has been established with major support from the VDDRC, the DiabetesResearch and Training Center, the Vanderbilt-lngram Cancer Center (VICC), and the Vanderbilt UniversityMedical Center Office of Research. The objectives of this core are to assist investigators in performinggenomic investigations using high-throughput and cutting-edge technologies that are financially or technicallyprohibitive to utilize in individual labs. The services in the core have been substantially increased since thelast application. While previous services were limited to cDNA-based arrays produced in the core for mouseand human, current services include a variety of commercial array platforms in addition to comprehensiveoligonucleotide arrays for mouse and human. Supported commercial arrays include Affymetrix, AppliedBiosystems, and CodeLink. In addition to gene expression profiling services, the core offers high-throughputgenotyping services using the Affymetrix mapping arrays and Targeted Genotyping (ParAllele) platforms.Verification of microarray results (expression and genotyping) by real-time PCR is also available. Thenewest services established in the core are profiling of microRNAs and the manipulation of gene expressionvia RNAi and cDNA over-expression to support functional screens. The core continues to maintain acomprehensive informatics program with two full-time analysts available. Significantly, the core hasdeveloped an on-line project management system that supports all sample submission, project annotation,and data access through an efficient web interface. Since 2002, the core has published severalmanuscripts, processed hundreds of samples for VDDRC investigators, and continued to expand and refineservices to meet the research needs of the Vanderbilt DDRC.The Core provides investigators with cutting edge access to human genomic technologies in order toprevent, diagnose or improve treatment of digestive diseases and disorders.
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