CCGS core facilities

UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its interactive, collegial environment. Part of its success in maintaining an exciting research atmosphere is an open-door policy on core research facilities. The University is committed to maintaining a research infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research and rapidly incorporates emerging technologies. Although not a comprehensive list, the core facilities relevant to CCGS researchers are listed below under the following five categories:

>>DNA and gene analysis
>>Protein resources
>>Cell, tissue and animal resources
>>Microscopy
>>Other

Animal Clinical Chemistry and Gene Expression Laboratories [website]
Provides whole-animal testing such as blood chemistry, urinalysis, and hematology. Performs quantitative gene expression analysis (real-time RT-PCR) and genotyping.

Bioinformatics Center [website]
Provides computational tools for molecular biology, genetics, protein chemistry, and biochemistry. Conducts in-depth workshops on topics ranging from DNA, RNA and protein sequence analysis to database searching, genomic predictions and molecular modeling.

Biomolecular NMR Laboratory [website]
Provides access to 500 MHz, 600 MHz and several low resolution spectrometers. Trains new users, consults with prospective users to determine whether NMR will be useful in their research, and helps users design an experimental plan to obtain the information they need.

Confocal Microscopy [website]
Provides training and access to a LeicaTCS-NT confocal laser scanning microscope for high resolution confocal imaging, data processing and image analysis.

Biometric Consulting Laboratory [website]
Provides biostatistical consultation and data analysis services.




	UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its interactive, collegial environment. Part of its success in maintaining an exciting research atmosphere is an open-door policy on core research facilities. The University is committed to maintaining a research infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research and rapidly incorporates emerging technologies. Although not a comprehensive list, the core facilities relevant to CCGS researchers are listed below under the following five categories: >>DNA and gene analysis >>Protein resources >>Cell, tissue and animal resources >>Microscopy >>Other


	Animal Clinical Chemistry and Gene Expression Laboratories [website] Provides whole-animal testing such as blood chemistry, urinalysis, and hematology. Performs quantitative gene expression analysis (real-time RT-PCR) and genotyping. Bioinformatics Center [website] Provides computational tools for molecular biology, genetics, protein chemistry, and biochemistry. Conducts in-depth workshops on topics ranging from DNA, RNA and protein sequence analysis to database searching, genomic predictions and molecular modeling. BioSpecimen Processing Facility [website] Processes biospecimens from population, clinical, and other studies. Emphasis on DNA isolation, but will also provide blood-product separation and other specimen processing. This facility is actively establishing a UNC-wide DNA bank. Functional Genomics Core [website] Provides sample preparation, hybridization, scanning and basic analysis of microarrays using the Affymetrix GeneChip system. Provides training and expertise in performing ‘real-time’ PCR using the ABI 7700 Sequence Detection System. Genome Analysis Facility (DNA Sequencing Facility) [website] Generates DNA sequence data from DNA templates and primers provided by the user. Provides access to sequencing software and expertise on sequence data interpretation. Genomics and Bioinformatics Core [website] Provides sample preparation, hybridization, scanning and basic analysis of spotted microarrays. Provides training on microarray procedures, scanning and data analysis. Also generates custom arrays based on user specifications. High-Throughput Genotyping Core [website] Conducts high-throughput genotyping assays and provides a platform for exploring new genotyping technologies. Mammalian Genotyping Core [website] Provides SNP genotyping services using two different platforms: ABI TaqMan and Illumina BeadArray technology. Molecular Epidemiology Facility [website] Provides laboratory and analytical support to selected epidemiologic research projects. Develops DNA analysisl techniques based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genetic alterations in small tumor specimens and in archival, paraffin-embedded tumor samples. Nucleic Acids Core Facility [website] Provides custom synthetic oligonucleotides at a wide range of synthesis scales with several customized labeling options. back to top

	Bioinformatics Center [website] Provides computational tools for molecular biology, genetics, protein chemistry, and biochemistry. Conducts in-depth workshops on topics ranging from DNA, RNA and protein sequence analysis to database searching, genomic predictions and molecular modeling. Biomolecular NMR Laboratory [website] Provides access to 500 MHz, 600 MHz and several low resolution spectrometers. Trains new users, consults with prospective users to determine whether NMR will be useful in their research, and helps users design an experimental plan to obtain the information they need. Biomolecular X-ray Crystallography Facility [website] Provides resources and training for single-crystal data collection and processing. Assists researchers not trained in X-ray crystallography to carry out simple crystallographic analyses. Immunology (Monoclonal Antibody) Core Facility [website] Establishes monoclonal antibody-producing hybridoma cell lines. Develops monoclonal antibodies in mice, rats and hamsters. Assists in the screening of hybridomas of interest by ELISA or flow cytometry. The facility also can produce large amounts of crude antibody in-vitro for investigators and purifies both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies from tissue culture media or ascites. Macromolecular Interactions Facility [website] Provides instrumentation and expertise for biophysical characterization of macromolecules. Analyses of biophysical properties include molecular weight, shape, and conformation of proteins and DNA. Resources are also available for exploring biomolecular interactions in real-time. Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility [website] Provides protein separation and identification, protein expression profiling, mass analysis, and protein characterization such as post-translational modifications. Microprotein Sequencing & Peptide Synthesis Facility [website] Provides customized protein sequencing and peptide synthesis services. Structural Bioinformatics Core Facility [website] Services include sequence alignment, structure prediction, molecular modeling, and NMR spectral analysis. back to top

	Animal Clinical Chemistry and Gene Expression Laboratories [website] Provides whole-animal testing such as blood chemistry, urinalysis, and hematology. Performs quantitative gene expression analysis (real-time RT-PCR) and genotyping. Animal Models Core [website] Provides expertise and services for embryonic-stem (ES) cell manipulation, gene targeting and transgenic mouse production. Flow Cytometry Facility [website] Provides equipment and services for analytical flow cytometry, sorting flow cytometry, data analysis, and consultation on experimental design and data interpretation. Gnotobiotic Animal Core [website] Generates axenic and gnotobiotic strains of mice and rats. Provides technical expertise and assistance to maintain animals free of disease and inoculated with specific gut microbiotas. Histopathology Facility [website] Provides high-quality processing of fixed tissues into hematoxylin- and eosin-stained paraffin slides, as well as preparation of frozen tissue sections. Also performs customized processing of special tissues according to investigators’ needs. Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center [website] Imports, maintains and distributes genetically modified mouse strains in conjunction with three other centers throughout the country. Maintains a cryopreserved archive of mouse mutants and provides pathogen-free, genetically confirmed strains to researchers worldwide. Tissue Culture Facility [website] Provides services and training for in vivo cell culture systems. Services also include monoclonal antibody production, serum screening and mycoplasma testing. Tissue Procurement Facility [website] Provides a centralized, quality-controlled facility for the procurement, processing, storage, analysis, distribution and database management of normal and malignant tissue specimens and corresponding blood specimens. back to top

	Confocal Microscopy [website] Provides training and access to a LeicaTCS-NT confocal laser scanning microscope for high resolution confocal imaging, data processing and image analysis. Michael Hooker Microscopy Facility [website] Provides advanced digital light microscopy and image processing resources. Microscopy equipment include a laser micro-dissection and capture workstation, 3 laser scanning confocal microscopes, a spinning disk confocal as well as inverted and upright fluorescent microscopes. Microscopy Services Laboratory [website] Provides access to and expertise for transmission and scanning electron microscopy, standard light microscopy, fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, laser capture microdissection, digital imaging and morphometry. MSL is also host to the Chromosome Imaging Core Facility, which offers karyotyping, breakage studies, fluorescence in situ hybridization, gene mapping, chromosome painting, and comparative genomic hybridization services. back to top

	Biometric Consulting Laboratory [website] Provides biostatistical consultation and data analysis services. Biostatistics and Data Management [website] Provides expert consultation in biostatistics for all aspects of research: study and protocol design; biostatistics and analysis of data; and management and processing of computer databases. Vector Core Facility [website] Services include customized recombinant adenoviruses, amplification and purification of adenoviruses, and purification of recombinant adeno-associated viruses. back to top