IRP Microarray Core Facility

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have entered into a collaborative effort with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)  to establish a microarray core facility for Intramural investigators. The Microarray Core Facility is run by the NHGRI.

Using the Microarray Core Facility (MAC)

NIMH investigators may contact Dr. Abdel Elkahloun directly to initiate microarray studies, but may wish to first visit the MAC website . Potential MAC users are encouraged to contact Dr. Eiden in the NIMH Bioinformatics Core if they wish to discuss microarray platform options, experimental design, and post-array bioinformatics analyses.

RNA Extraction, Labeling and Hybridization

Current protocols describing methods for RNA isolation, production of labeled cDNA representations of the RNA, and hybridization are available as text and in downloadable form the MAC website . MAC will provide hands-on training for first users, and it is suggested that the first-time user discuss with Dr. Elkahloun the level of service desired, starting with RNA extraction and through quantitation, storage and back-up, and analysis of chip data.

Data Analysis

The Bioinformatics Core will provide consultation and referral for training for the primary data extraction and analysis of the microarray data as well as for downstream gene analysis as a basis for publication and/or further experimentation. Lee E. Eiden, Ph.D. serves as the NIMH Liaison for the NHGRI/NIMH/NINDS Microarray Core (MAC).