The mission of the CCRTD Research Support Core Facilities is to provide the scientists of CCRTD, Clark Atlanta University, and Atlanta University Center with access to modern technology, resources, and instruments essential for cutting-edge research in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, cell biology, and biological imaging.

CCRTD Core Laboratories are housed in the Thomas W. Cole, Jr. Research Center for Science and Tehnology. CCRTD Core facilities are well-equipped with modern instruments for many biological applications. Two staff scientists provide consultations and assist in application development. Additional instruments within CCRTD member laboratories are shared by all CCRTD members. For many instruments, we provide equipment maintenance, updates, purchases, and acquire basic supplies. We offer consultations on technique and proposal development and assistance with many biotechnology applications. Regularly, we invite instrument demonstrations from instrument manufacturers. CCRTD Core Facilities provide centralized supply of liquid nitrogen, pressed gasses, cubed and crushed ice, deionized water, and other essential supplies. We coordinate and make available to users cold storage at both 4^oC, ^-20^oC and ^-80^oC.

CCRTD Core Laboratories have been funded by the Clark Atlanta University Research Center in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program through a grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Currently, CCRTD core laboratories are supported by RCMI program and Georgia Research Alliance. All equipment in the CCRTD Core Facilities is available to users free of charge.

PERSONNEL

CCRTD Research Core Facilities employ two staff members: a senior scientist and a facilities coordinator. Dr. Natalya Klueva, Senior Research Scientist, oversees the operation of CCRTD Core Facilities and is in charge of equipment acquisition and application development. Mr. Tony Griffin, Facilities Coordinator, provides day-to-day operation of equipment and user training.

COMPOSITION OF FACILITIES

Currently, CCRTD Core Facilities support applications in the following areas:

•  Molecular Biology

•  Cell Biology

•  Proteomics

•  Structural Biology

•  Bioinformatics

•  Histology

_____________________________________________________

Molecular Biology

CCRTD Core Facilities house major equipment for DNA and RNA-based applications. We offer polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) instruments including Real-Time PCR machine (I-Cycle, BioRad), Liquid Scintillation Counter (Beckman Coulter), Lyophilizer and Freeze-Dryer for biological samples, Cell Porator, high-speed and ultra-high-speed Centrifuges, ultra-sensitive Balances, and other supporting equipment. DNA and RNA quantification can be carried out on Spectrophotometers, both single-cuvette (DU650, Beckman Coulter) and 96-well plate based. DNA and RNA can be visualized, digitized, and quantified using Gel Documentation system (BioRad) or Multi-Mode Imager Typhoon 9410, in either fluorescent, luminescent, UV, or visible wavelengths; time-resolved fluorescence option is available on BioTek Plate Imager. For X-Ray imaging, we maintain an Automated X-Ray processor and Dark Room; radioisotope imaging is also supported on Typhoon 9410. Forthcoming updates include acquisition of new high-speed centrifuges with a variety of rotors, liquid scintillation counter, PCR machines, and an autoclave.

Here is the list of all major equipment and options for the support of molecular biology research in CCRTD in alphabetical order:

Balance

Biological Imaging station (BioRad)

Cell electroporator

Centrifuges

Darkroom/Automated X-ray processor room

Deionized water source

Freeze Dryer

Freezer storage space, -20oC and -80oC

Microplate spectrophotometers

Miscellaneous equipment – stirrers, hot plates, etc.

PCR instruments

Real-Time PCR machine

Refrigerator storage space

Sonicator

Speed-Vac

Spectrophotometer

Temperature controlled incubator

Temperature controlled incubator shaker

Vacuum Oven

_____________________________________________________

Cell Biology

In CCRTD, we provide excellent support for Cell Biology research and advanced cell visualization applications. We have complete facilities for cell growth, handling, and storage. Cell Culture Facility maintains Cell Storage Cryo Tanks with uninterruptable liquid nitrogen supply and two separate Cell Culture rooms fully equipped with six temperature and CO2-controlled Cell Growth Incubators, two Laminar Flow Hoods, Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter (FACS), two late model Inverted Digitized Microscopes (Zeiss), one of which is fluorescence-enabled and possesses Z-stacking and live cell imaging capabilities, automated Cell Counter (Beckman Coulter), and refrigerated storage for media and cell culture reagents.

Here is the list of all major equipment and options for the support of Cell Biology research in CCRTD:

Cell Counter (Coulter Counter, Beckman)

Cryopreservation tanks with monitored liquid nitrogen supply

Temperature- and CO2 controlled incubators for cell growth (six)

Exhaust sterile hoods for cell and tissue culture work (two)

Inverted digitized microscope (Zeiss)

Fluorescence-enabled inverted digitized microscope with Z-stacking and live cell imaging modules (Zeiss)

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter (BD Biosciences)

Refrigerator storage

_____________________________________________________

Proteomics

We are equipped for proteomics research including Cell Fractionation on three floor and tabletop Ultracentrifuges (Beckman Coulter) , High-Pressure Liquid Chromatoraphy (HPLC), Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), Two-Dimensional Protein Electrophoresis (Protean II), and Gel Documentation System (both BioRad). Protein quantification can be done using UV-Vis spectrophotometry ( DU650, Beckman Coulter) or multimode Plate Spectrophotometers in both 96-well and 384-well microwell plate formats. Protein gels can also be visualized, digitized, and documented on Multi-Mode Imager Typhoon 9410.

List of equipment for proteomics research in CCRTD:

Isoelectrofocusing unit with high-voltage power supply (BioRad)

Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography System (FPLC)

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography System (HPLC)

High-speed tabletop ultra-centrifuge (Beckman Coulter)

NMR facility (supported by Chemistry Department)

Plate spectrophotometer with UV-Vis, Fluorescence, TOF, and luminescence detection modes in 96 and 384-well formats (BioTek)

Two-dimensional protein separation setup including accesories (Protean II, BioRad)

_____________________________________________________

Structural Biology

CCRTD houses several major instruments to support structural studies of biological molecules, cells, modern cell, and molecular visualization applications. We have an Inverted Digitized Microscope (Zeiss) of general use, plus an advanced Fluorescence-enabled Inverted Digitized Microscope with Z-stacking and Live Cell Imaging modules (Zeiss). For advanced applications including In Situ Hybridization (ISH) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC), in addition to Zeiss microscope above we offer Confocal Fluorescent Microscope (Nikon). The latter is currently undergoing a major upgrade of both computer system, software, and optics including addition of lasers. We have Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope, also under upgrade.

Here is the list of instruments supporting structural biology applications in CCRTD:

Inverted digitized microscope (Zeiss)

Fluorescence-enabled inverted digitized microscope with Z-stacking and live cell imaging modules (Zeiss)

Confocal Fluorescent Microscope (Nikon)

Scanning Electron Microscope

Transmission Electron Microscope

_____________________________________________________

Bioinformatics

CCRTD provides many crucial applications for in silico research. They include general bioinformatics programs intended for sequence analysis of nucleic acids and proteins (Vector NTI Advance) and more specialized programs including Gene Expression Analysis software (Genespring and real-time PCR primer design program; Beacon Designer, by Premier Biosoft). CCRTD staff provide consultations in bioinformatics and identifies further needs in this area. Additional multiple free bioinformatics program downloaded from Internet are also available along with access to all major bioinformatics Public Databases and data repositories. We are in the process of acquiring a High-End Computer Workstation intended exclusively for bioinformatics support. We are also in the process of networking our data-generating equipment and CCRTD users' workstations with the CCRTD data storage server to be supported by CAU Office of Information Technology. The server will be used for storage, backup, and retrieval of Affymetrix data files, real-time PCR data, image data from Typhoon and BioRad Imagers, microplate readers, etc. Furthermore, it will be used for data sharing and transfer both within CCRTD, external collaborators, and granting agencies housing a ftp site with supplementary experimental data generated within CCRTD and linked to the CCRTD website.

This is the partial listing of available bioinformatics resources:

Beacon Designer, by Premier Biosoft

Data storage server

High-End Computer Workstation

Pathway Assist

Vector NTI Advance

_____________________________________________________

Histology

CCRTD is expanding to add further support in the area of histology and handling of biological tissues. We intend to enable CCRTD researchers to acquire and store clinical tissue specimens, make and process slides, perform microdissections, and handle and expand primary live cells. Histology facility will be closely integrated with both Molecular Biology Core, Cell Biology Core, and Structural Biology Cores. We are already well equipped to handle Epoxy-resin and Paraffin embedding, tissue slicing, slide mounting and staining. We have Microtomes, an Ultratome mounted on a floating table and equipped with Diamond knife, Constant Temperature Incubator, Fume hood, Examination Binoculars, slide mounting setup, and miscellaneous equipment. As a core of the new histology setup and at an interface with Cell Biology Core we plan to acquire a Cryostat and a Laser Capture Microdissection System (LCM) that will enable CCRTD researchers to analyze specific cells and cell populations and will significantly increase the power of our molecular and genetic analyses. A modern LCM System will include maximum magnification power (up to 150x) for visualization and dissection of subcellular structures such as chromosomes and chromosome fragments, an ability to dissect and outgrow live cells to establish primary cell cultures, and an ability for automated feature recognition and semi-automated user-supervised dissection of desired microscopic features. Also planned is a flexible automated Slide Staining and Hybridization Station with protocols for immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and general histology staining.

The list of available histology equipment includes:

Binoculars

Constant temperature incubator

Fume hood

Microtomes

Slide mounting

Ultramicrotome with diamond knife