Cell / Molecular Biology Resource Facility

The Cell and Molecular Biology Shared Resource Facility (CMB Resource) at the Canary Center facilitates the development of tools for early diagnosis of cancers. The CMB Resource is well equipped for developing molecular imaging probes. Specifically, this resource develops and characterizes antibody and ligand-based probes for targeted molecular imaging thus aiding faculty, scientists and students at the Center who focus on developing highly sensitive multifunctional optical, PET and MRI probes for imaging cancers by targeting cancer-specific cellular targets.

The CMB Resource houses a variety of instruments needed for performing highly advanced molecular biology experiments. The instruments used by the resource include, for example: a highly sensitive fluorescent microscope with a time-lapsed imaging functionality, a real-time PCR machine, a microplate reader with fluorescence and bioluminescence capabilities, a fluorescent cell sorter, an IVIS-Lumina –highly sensitive cooled charge coupled device camera for imaging bioluminescence and fluorescence of different wavelengths, and an automated peptide synthesizer. The CMB Resource is also equipped with a tissue culture facility that includes BSL-2+ capabilities.

The goal of the CMB Resource mimics that of the Center in that it aims to promote the development and advancement of methods for cancer early detection. The Cell and Molecular Biology Shared Resource Facility works closely with Center Members of the other Shared Resources to forward the Center’s research efforts.

IVIS-Lumino-high sensitive cooled charge coupled device camera for imaging bioluminescence and fluorescence intact cells and non-invasive imaging in live animals.

Automated peptide synthesis allows rapid validation of new probes engineered to bind cancer targets with high affinity and specificity.

The state of the art BD FACS Aria II cell sorter which enables high-throughput screening of large biomolecular libraries and selection of high affinity binders from yeast and mammalian cells

Real time PCR-system for the rapid quantitation of gene expression and microRNA from cells and tissues.

State of the art-cell culture facility.

High sensitive fluorescent microscope with weather controlled FRET and time lapsed imaging facility.

UV-Geldoc system with chemiluminescence imaging facility.


For more information regarding the Molecular Biology Core Facility, Please contact