Facilities

All life sciences research laboratories occupy contiguous space within the university's science complexes. Integrated with the research laboratories are a variety of shared support facilities that provide DNA sequencing, protein biochemistry, antibody production, electron microscopy, histological analysis, and photo-optical services. The University's Science Library resides in the same complex.

Proteomics

The Proteomics Lab has two capillary HPLCs, an LCQ Deca XP Plus ion trap tandem mass spectrometer equipped with both electrospray and AP Maldi sources, and an LTQ-FT hybrid linear ion trap-fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, allowing identification of proteins in complex mixtures by shotgun peptide sequencing. The lab also has various software tools for analysis of complex proteomics datasets, and additional analytical HPLCs.

DNA Sequencing & Genomics

The DNA Sequencing and Genomics facility supports scientific research at the University of Oregon by offering genetic and genomic technologies. We provide in-house services and have available specialized equipment. Our services include DNA sequencing, fragment analysis, and genotyping. We also provide assistance with microarray printing and the robotics associated with high throughput. In addition, the facility has various shared equipment, such as a microarray scanner, a nanodrop spectrophotometer, tetrad thermocyclers, and a real-time PCR system.

Electron Microscopy

The Electron Microscopy Facility is well equipped for ultrastructural research. It houses two transmission electron microscopes and one scanning electron microscope, and it includes equipment for sample preparation, cryomicroscopy, and freeze-fracture.

A comprehensive course in biological electron microscopy is offered each year. One-on-one assistance is also available.

Histology

The Histology Facility specializes in techniques that permit the visualization of tissue components at the resolution of the light microscope.

Emphasis is placed on neuroanatomical and immunocytochemical methods. Microtomes are available to cut frozen, paraffin, vibratome, and plastic sections. Collaborative efforts, instruction, and technical support are included in the functions of the facility.

Harrison M. Howard Photo-Optical

The Harrison M. Howard Photo-Optical Facility offers support in the areas of light microscopy, photomicrography, and digital and video imaging. It also offers a full range of photgraphic services, including copy photography, black-and-white film processing and printing, and computer-generated slides.

The facility is equipped with research microscopes whose capabilities include epi-fluorescence, Nomarski DIC, two-photon fluorescence and confocal microscopy.

Complete training and technical support is provided for all instruments and software.

The Monoclonal Antibody Facility provides university researchers the opportunity to generate and use monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.

Facility services encompass every aspect of antibody development, including the generation of novel antibodies, large-scale antibody production and purification, and analysis of antibody binding specificities.

Since its opening in 2004, the Transgenic Mouse Facility has produced more than 2500 mice, representing 7 re-derived lines and 13 new lines.

The TMF goal is to be able to provide all the services necessary to produce and maintain genetically modified mice. These services range from designing projects to maintaining colonies.

A wide variety of facilities are available for structural and biophysical studies. These include modern x-ray crystallography and NMR facilities, a Biacore X surface plasmon resonance spectrometer, computer work stations, instrumentation for analytical ultracentrifugation, circular dichroism, calorimetry, light scattering, and additional facilities for the structural and dynamic characterization of macromolecular assemblies.

The molecular, cellular, and developmental biology group maintains an excellent technical support team, which provides maintenance and design capabilities in the areas of computing, instrumentation, and electronics.