Biological and Molecular Analysis Core | UC Davis MIND Institute

The primary objective of the Biological and Molecular Analysis Core (BMAC) is to provide services that facilitate studies at the cellular and molecular level of intellectual and developmental disabilities conditions such as autism, fragile X syndrome, and Down syndrome. Moreover, the BMAC has the capability to provide services to support projects that address each of the central themes of the MIND Institute IDDRC: Integrated Biobehavioral Characterization of intellectual and developmental disabilities Genetic and Environmental Contributions to intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Treatment of intellectual and developmental disabilities. To this end, the BMAC is designed to advance research on cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the risk and clinical heterogeneity of conditions associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the variable response to genetic and environmental risk factors and treatments.

The BMAC offers five tiers of services in immunology, molecular and cellular imaging, and molecular genomics:

Tier 1: Consultation in model selection and experimental design

Tier 2: Training on BMAC-supported equipment

Tier 3: Training and supervision in conducting assays available through the BMAC

Tier 4: Provision of a battery of assays conducted by BMAC staff on behalf of users

Tier 5: Tailored sets of analyses for specific IDDRC projects conducted by core staff

Combinations of tiers of service can be designed to match user needs. Assistance with data interpretation will be provided in coordination with the IDDRC Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Research Design Core (BBRDC) as needed. Specific services offered are listed below:

Immunology Subcore Services

Western blot analysis of various tissues and extracts
ELISA (e.g., immunoglobulins, antibody responses to specific antigens)
Luminex multiplex analysis (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, neurotrophins) of plasma, serum or tissue from human clinical samples as well as animal models
Cellular immunology including cell phenotyping using flow cytometry, as well as functional analysis, and immune function following targeted exposures in human and animal samples
Peptide and protein array screening and analysis
Generation of animal models involving immune system perturbation
Proteomic sample preparation and affinity purification

Neuroimaging Subcore Services

Immunocytochemical analyses of neural cell cultures
Immunohistochemical analyses of neural tissue
Morphometric analyses in cell culture or brain sections
Confocal microscopy
High-content imaging and automated image analyses
Advanced microscopy available via the Health District Advanced Imaging Facility (super-resolution STED microscopy and multiphoton confocal with CLARITY lens)
In vivo cellular and molecular imaging resources I (preclinical PET, MRI, SPECT, optical imaging, micro-CT, and autoradiography) available through the CMG affiliated core in coordination with Administrative Core

Genomics Subcore Services

DNA methylation analysis by pyrosequencing
Genomic and epigenomic sequencing consultation for experimental design (e.g. RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, ChIP-seq, chromatin capture conformation, microbiome 16S, etc.)
Fluorescence in situ hybridization
Molecular genetic methods (qRT-PCR, Western blot, Fluidigm, genotyping, etc.)