Molecular Biology Core

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CORE
The major function of the University of Michigan Vision Research Center’s Molecular Biology Core (MBC) is
to provide access to and training for small and large equipment that allows modern cellular and molecular
biology approaches as they apply to vision science. The MBC provides required instruction, maintenance and
training for equipment and instrumentation required for modern molecular approaches in cell culture, stem cell
and transgenic animal studies in a cost-effective manner. The Core acquires, maintains and replaces shared
major laboratory equipment and ensures fair access to the equipment according to Vision Research Center
priorities. The Core's equipment is housed in several rooms and hallway equipment bays that together
comprise approximately 2000 square feet of dedicated space on the 7th floor of the Brehm Tower and the 2nd
floor of the Kellogg Research Tower. Instruments maintained include: flow cytometry; DNA and RNA
quantification and quality assessment by spectrophotometer, tape station and Nanodrop; quantitative real time
PCR; multi-well plate readers; centrifugation and ultra-centrifugation; back up freezers for emergency and
temporary sample storage during routine freezer defrosting and freezer temperature tracking system. In
addition, the MBC also provides access to a new 200 square foot human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)
laboratory located on the 7th floor of the Brehm Tower. Vision researchers at the University of Michigan have
access to a Human Stem Cell and Gene Editing Core (HSCGE Core), which provides human induced
pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) reprogramming, stem cell characterization and differentiation, and genome
editing. The new facilities will allow vision research scientists who are interested in retinal regenerative
medicine to carry out experiments with hPSC as well as cells and tissue derived from hPSC.
The MBC was utilized moderately or extensively by 15 vision investigators during the past 5 years,
including 8 NEI R01 holders. Based on a recent survey, 15 vision investigators anticipate using the MBC to a
moderate or extensive degree in the next funding period, with 7 expecting to make use of the PSC
laboratories.

Grant Number: 5P30EY007003-39
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Steven Abcouwer