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Saturday, September 17, 2016

DNA MICROARRAY PROTOCOL

i)           Set-up the following Pre-Hybridisation solution in a Coplin Jar and           incubate at65°C during the labeling incubation period to equilibrate. 20X SSC 8.75 ml 20% SDS 0.25 ml BSA (100 mg/ml) 5.0 ml H2O to 50.0 ml

ii)            Label control and test genomic DNA as follows:- CONTROL TEST Genomic DNA ˜ 2 mg ˜ 2 mg Random Hexamers (3 mg/ml) 1 ml 1 ml H2O to 41.5 ml to 41.5 ml Heat at 95ºC for 5 minutes. Snap cool on ice and briefly centrifuge. 10X buffer 5 ml 5 ml dNTP's (5mM each dATP, dGTP & dTTP, 2mM dCTP) 1 ml 1 ml Cy-labelled dCTP 1.5 ml (Cy3) 1.5 ml (Cy5) Klenow fragment (10U/ml) 1 ml 1 ml Incubate at 37°C for 90 minutes.

iii)          Incubate the microarray slide(s) in the Pre-Hybridisation solution for 20 minutes at65°C, beginning just before the end of the labelling reactions incubation time at37°C.

iv)          Combine the control and test reactions and purify using the Qiagen MinElute PCR Purification kit, using a two step wash stage using 500 ml then 250 ml volumes of Buffer PE and eluting the labeled cDNA from the MinElute column with 14 ml H2O. The columns retain approximately 1 ml, so the final eluted volume will be 13 ml.

v)           Rinse the pre-hybridised microarray slides in H2O for 1 minute, then in isopropanol for 1 minute. Spin at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes to dry slides. Keep in covered slide box. 1 NICK DORRELL - LAST UPDATE FEBRUARY 2004

vi)          Prepare the Hybridisation solution as follows: - Sample 13 ml H2O 26 ml 20X SSC 12 ml 2% SDS 9 ml Heat at 95ºC for 2 minutes. Allow to cool slowly at room temperature and centrifuge for 30 seconds. Add 2 x 20 ml H2O to the corners of the hybridisation chamber. Place a slide into the chamber. Place a LifterSlip™ glass coverslip (22 mm x 25 mm) over the array section on the slide using tweezers. Pipette the Hybridisation solution onto the slide at the top of the coverslip. Seal the chamber and incubate in a water bath at 65°C overnight.

vii)         Prepare Wash solutions as follows: - Wash A (1X SSC 0.5% SDS) Wash B (0.06X SSC) 20X SSC 20 ml 2.4 ml 20% SDS 1 ml H2O to 400 ml to 800 ml Incubate Wash A solution at 65ºC overnight. Dispense 400 ml volumes into three glass slide washing dishes. Remove slide(s) from the hybridisation chambers and gently remove coverslip(s) by rinsing in Wash A. Place slide(s) in a slide rack and rinse with agitation for 5 minutes. Transfer slide(s) to a clean slide rack and rinse with agitation in Wash B(i) for 2 minutes, then in Wash B (ii) for a further 2 minutes. Spin at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes to dry slide(s).

viii)      Scan slide(s) using Affymetrix 418 scanner and analyse data


NICK DORRELL - LAST UPDATE FEBRUARY 2004

Monday, November 17, 2014

Protocol for Whole Animal/ Isolated Organ Vascular Perfusion Fixation( of rats/mice )

Advantages:
• Fixation begins immediately after arrest of systemic circulation.   This  minimizes  the
alteration of cell structure resulting from post-mortem effects.
•  Under in  situ  conditions,  vascular  perfusion  results  in  a  uniform  and  rapid
dissemination of fixative into all parts of the tissue  via the vascular bed, resulting  in an
increased depth and rate of actual fixation.
• The manipulation  of tissues  after the  arrest  of the  systemic  circulation  but  prior  to
fixation is minimized resulting in many fewer artifacts.
• Many organs/ tissues may be effectively fixed at one time, thus maximizing  the use  of
each animal.
• In  the  case  of  immunocytochemical  procedures  employing  relatively mild  fixation
conditions,  fewer  autolytic  artifacts  result;  redistribution  or  translocation  of  cellular
components is minimized; and greater immunocytochemical activity is retained.
Pre-perfusion:
1.  The rat/mouse  is retrieved  from  the  animal  quarters  and  brought  upstairs  to  the
surgery room in a cage. The person  removing  the  animal  should  sign  and  date the
animal inventory card ( yellow card ) in the out column.
2. The  rat/mouse  is  weighed  and  injected  with  a  mixture  consisting  of  ketaset(75
mg/ml) + xylazine(5 mg/ml). The recommended  injectable  dose  of this  anesthetic  is  1
ml/gm of body weight, IM.  Allow 10 to 15 minutes for anesthesia to occur, indicated  by
the  loss  of  sensory/  reflex  response,  i.e.  non-  response  to  tail  pinching,  or  paw
pinching. (Note: Metofane, as  an  inhaled  anesthetic,  may  be  used  instead  of  the
ketaset/ xylazine mixture. In this case, assistance of another person is advised.)
3. Once anesthetized, and during the surgical procedures for whole  animal  or isolated
organ  perfusion,  care  should  be taken to  prevent  heat  loss  in the  anesthetized
animal. They are  quite prone to hypothermia.( use of a lamp is recommended )
4. People should consult Michael for the perfusion method for their particular needs.  In
general, an isolated organ perfusion  will  yield the best results,  but concern  should  be
taken to ensure maximum, most efficient use of the rat/mouse.    For example,  in  the
case of an isolated perfusion of the heart/lungs, the  rest  of the  animal  might  still  be
suitable for biochemistry.5. In most instances, the rat will expire during  the perfusion.  However, in cases  where
the animal survives or lingers, cardiac puncture is the appropriate means of sacrifice.
6.  Upon  completion  of  the  procedure  the  carcass  is  wrapped  in  a  surgical  pad/  or
benchcoat, placed in a plastic bag, and  returned  to the  animal  quarters  in  the  cage.
The carcass is placed in  the freezer; and check that the animal  inventory card ( yellow
card ) is signed off.
Recommended routes for vascular perfusion:
• Whole animal- descending aorta or vena cava.
• Central nervous system/ pituitary- aorta, via the left ventricle.
• Kidney- descending aorta, proximal to its distal bifurcation.
• Liver- portal vein
Perfusion Protocol
Perfusion  pressure,  in  most  instances,  should  be  maintained  between  60  and  100
mm Hg. Use a sphygmomanometer or gravity feed apparatus... we have both!!!
1. Generally, it is optimal to aerate/oxygenate the flush and fixation prior to beginning.
This can be maintained during the perfusion.
2. Flush the animal/organ first with 1XPBS containing  1% sodium  nitrite, pH 7.4 for 30
seconds.
3. Follow up flush with perfusion of fixative for 5 minutes. Fixative contains:
3% formaldehyde (freshly prepared from paraformaldehyde);
1.5% glutaraldehyde
2.5%  sucrose
contained in 100mM cacodylate, pH 7.4
200mls of fixative should be plenty for a mouse; 500 mls for a rat.
4. After  5 minutes  of  continuous  perfusion,  organs  can  be  harvested;  appropriately
dissected  in  fixative/buffer  (100mM  cacodylate,  2.5%  sucrose,  pH  7.4);  and  tissue
pieces allowed to fix an additional 1 hour.
5. Wash in 0.1M Cac/2.5% sucrose pH 7.4 3X 15' EA.6. Post-fix with Palade's OsO4 for one hour on ice, light tight, under hood.
5 ml Palade's 1% OsO4 = 1 ml Acetate-veronal stock
+ 1.25 ml 4% OsO4
+ 1 ml 0.1N HCl
+ 1.75 ml ddH2O
Acetate-veronal stock = 1.15 g NaAcetate Anhydrous
(J.T. Baker 1-3470)
+ 2.943 g NaBarbituate (Veronal)
labelled Barbital--(Sigma B-0500)
to 100 ml with ddH2O
7. Rinse 1X with Kellenberger, then incubate for 1 to 2 hrs. at RT. (or preferably
overnight)
10 ml Kellenberger = 2 ml Acetate Veronal Stock
+ 2.8 ml 0.1N HCl
+ 5.1 ml ddH2O
+ 0.05 g Uranyl Acetate
Check pH with paper before adding UA.
(Should be ~6)
8. One quick rinse in ddH2O, then one quick rinse in 50% ethanol.
9. Dehydrate with graded series of cold (4
0
C) ethanol (70, 95, 100); then three 10’
washes in fresh 100% ETOH at rm. temp; and then finally two 5’ exchanges with
propylene oxide (PO).
14. Place in 50% PO/50% Epon (can be old) overnight, uncovered under vacuum (or
hood).
10. Replace with fresh, 100% epon, and leave under vacuum for 2-6 hours.
11. Embed in fresh, 100% Epon. Put typed or pencil-written label in dummy capsules
with wooden stick, at least two capsules per sample. Pour tissue out of tube into
mincing dish. Place tissue in flat mold with small amount of Epon (to avoid curling)
with a wooden stick and place in 60o oven overnight.

Protocol for Whole Animal/ Isolated Organ Vascular Perfusion Fixation( of rats/mice )

Advantages:
• Fixation begins immediately after arrest of systemic circulation.   This  minimizes  the
alteration of cell structure resulting from post-mortem effects.
•  Under in  situ  conditions,  vascular  perfusion  results  in  a  uniform  and  rapid
dissemination of fixative into all parts of the tissue  via the vascular bed, resulting  in an
increased depth and rate of actual fixation.
• The manipulation  of tissues  after the  arrest  of the  systemic  circulation  but  prior  to
fixation is minimized resulting in many fewer artifacts.
• Many organs/ tissues may be effectively fixed at one time, thus maximizing  the use  of
each animal.
• In  the  case  of  immunocytochemical  procedures  employing  relatively mild  fixation
conditions,  fewer  autolytic  artifacts  result;  redistribution  or  translocation  of  cellular
components is minimized; and greater immunocytochemical activity is retained.
Pre-perfusion:
1.  The rat/mouse  is retrieved  from  the  animal  quarters  and  brought  upstairs  to  the
surgery room in a cage. The person  removing  the  animal  should  sign  and  date the
animal inventory card ( yellow card ) in the out column.
2. The  rat/mouse  is  weighed  and  injected  with  a  mixture  consisting  of  ketaset(75
mg/ml) + xylazine(5 mg/ml). The recommended  injectable  dose  of this  anesthetic  is  1
ml/gm of body weight, IM.  Allow 10 to 15 minutes for anesthesia to occur, indicated  by
the  loss  of  sensory/  reflex  response,  i.e.  non-  response  to  tail  pinching,  or  paw
pinching. (Note: Metofane, as  an  inhaled  anesthetic,  may  be  used  instead  of  the
ketaset/ xylazine mixture. In this case, assistance of another person is advised.)
3. Once anesthetized, and during the surgical procedures for whole  animal  or isolated
organ  perfusion,  care  should  be taken to  prevent  heat  loss  in the  anesthetized
animal. They are  quite prone to hypothermia.( use of a lamp is recommended )
4. People should consult Michael for the perfusion method for their particular needs.  In
general, an isolated organ perfusion  will  yield the best results,  but concern  should  be
taken to ensure maximum, most efficient use of the rat/mouse.    For example,  in  the
case of an isolated perfusion of the heart/lungs, the  rest  of the  animal  might  still  be
suitable for biochemistry.5. In most instances, the rat will expire during  the perfusion.  However, in cases  where
the animal survives or lingers, cardiac puncture is the appropriate means of sacrifice.
6.  Upon  completion  of  the  procedure  the  carcass  is  wrapped  in  a  surgical  pad/  or
benchcoat, placed in a plastic bag, and  returned  to the  animal  quarters  in  the  cage.
The carcass is placed in  the freezer; and check that the animal  inventory card ( yellow
card ) is signed off.
Recommended routes for vascular perfusion:
• Whole animal- descending aorta or vena cava.
• Central nervous system/ pituitary- aorta, via the left ventricle.
• Kidney- descending aorta, proximal to its distal bifurcation.
• Liver- portal vein
Perfusion Protocol
Perfusion  pressure,  in  most  instances,  should  be  maintained  between  60  and  100
mm Hg. Use a sphygmomanometer or gravity feed apparatus... we have both!!!
1. Generally, it is optimal to aerate/oxygenate the flush and fixation prior to beginning.
This can be maintained during the perfusion.
2. Flush the animal/organ first with 1XPBS containing  1% sodium  nitrite, pH 7.4 for 30
seconds.
3. Follow up flush with perfusion of fixative for 5 minutes. Fixative contains:
3% formaldehyde (freshly prepared from paraformaldehyde);
1.5% glutaraldehyde
2.5%  sucrose
contained in 100mM cacodylate, pH 7.4
200mls of fixative should be plenty for a mouse; 500 mls for a rat.
4. After  5 minutes  of  continuous  perfusion,  organs  can  be  harvested;  appropriately
dissected  in  fixative/buffer  (100mM  cacodylate,  2.5%  sucrose,  pH  7.4);  and  tissue
pieces allowed to fix an additional 1 hour.
5. Wash in 0.1M Cac/2.5% sucrose pH 7.4 3X 15' EA.6. Post-fix with Palade's OsO4 for one hour on ice, light tight, under hood.
5 ml Palade's 1% OsO4 = 1 ml Acetate-veronal stock
+ 1.25 ml 4% OsO4
+ 1 ml 0.1N HCl
+ 1.75 ml ddH2O
Acetate-veronal stock = 1.15 g NaAcetate Anhydrous
(J.T. Baker 1-3470)
+ 2.943 g NaBarbituate (Veronal)
labelled Barbital--(Sigma B-0500)
to 100 ml with ddH2O
7. Rinse 1X with Kellenberger, then incubate for 1 to 2 hrs. at RT. (or preferably
overnight)
10 ml Kellenberger = 2 ml Acetate Veronal Stock
+ 2.8 ml 0.1N HCl
+ 5.1 ml ddH2O
+ 0.05 g Uranyl Acetate
Check pH with paper before adding UA.
(Should be ~6)
8. One quick rinse in ddH2O, then one quick rinse in 50% ethanol.
9. Dehydrate with graded series of cold (4
0
C) ethanol (70, 95, 100); then three 10’
washes in fresh 100% ETOH at rm. temp; and then finally two 5’ exchanges with
propylene oxide (PO).
14. Place in 50% PO/50% Epon (can be old) overnight, uncovered under vacuum (or
hood).
10. Replace with fresh, 100% epon, and leave under vacuum for 2-6 hours.
11. Embed in fresh, 100% Epon. Put typed or pencil-written label in dummy capsules
with wooden stick, at least two capsules per sample. Pour tissue out of tube into
mincing dish. Place tissue in flat mold with small amount of Epon (to avoid curling)
with a wooden stick and place in 60o oven overnight.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Overview of ELISA/Western blotting tests for HIV


HIV ELISA/Western blot is a set of blood tests used to diagnose chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

How to Prepare for the Test
No preparation is necessary.

How the Test Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed
Testing for HIV infection is done for many reasons, including:
  • Screening people who want to be tested
  • Screening people in high-risk groups (men who have sex with men, injection drug users and their sexual partners, and commercial sex workers)
  • Screening people with certain conditions and infections (such as Kaposi's sarcoma or Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia)
  • Screening pregnant women to help prevent them from passing the virus to the baby
  • When a patient has an unusual infection

Normal Results
A negative test result is normal. However, people with early HIV infection (termed acute HIV infection or primary HIV infection) often have a negative test result.

What Abnormal Results Mean
A positive result on the ELISA screening test does not necessarily mean that the person has HIV infection. Certain conditions may lead to a false positive result, such as Lyme diseasesyphilis, and lupus.
A positive ELISA test is always followed by a Western blot test. A positive Western blot confirms an HIV infection. A negative Western blot test means the ELISA test was a false positive test. The Western blot test can also be unclear, in which case more testing is done.
Negative tests do not rule out HIV infection. There is a period of time (called the "window period") between HIV infection and the appearance of anti-HIV antibodies that can be measured.
If a person might have acute or primary HIV infection, and is in the "window period," a negative HIV ELISA and Western blot will not rule out HIV infection. More tests for HIV will need to be done.

Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations
People who are at high risk (men who have sex with men, injection drug users and their sexual partners, commercial sex workers) should be regularly tested for HIV.
If the health care provider suspects early acute HIV infection, other tests (such as HIV viral load) will be needed to confirm this diagnosis, because the HIV ELISA/Western blot test will often be negative during this window period.

Alternative Names
HIV testing

References
Dewar R, Goldstein D, Maldarelli F. Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Mandell GL, Bennett GE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 119.
Sax PE, Walker BD. Immunopathogenesis of human immunodeficiency infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 408.

Model Organisms


9      Mesoplasma florum:Genomic DNA      
14    Yeast PCR Protocols   
15    Yeast Genetics    
17    Yeast Culture and Storage       
18    Yeast Cellular Biology       
20    Arabidopsis Protocols        

Monday, June 10, 2013

Separation of normal CD34+ cells from fresh pheresis of mobilized stem cells




Separation of normal CD34+ cells from fresh pheresis of mobilized stem cells

1.      Resuspend sample up to 100 mL of MACS buffer (see recipe below). Aliquot to two 50-mL conical tubes. Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 1000 rpm to "soft spin" the pellet. A soft spin keeps the platelets, which are concentrated in pheresis samples, in the supernatant. Platelets cause major problems with the staining of the sample as well as the running of the sample through the magnetic column. The supernantant must be aspirated, not poured off, since the pellet is loose.
2.      If the supernatant from the soft spin is still relatively cloudy, the soft spin may be repeated.
3.      ACD-A changes the density of the cells in the pheresis sample so that granulocytes will stay at the interphase of the Ficoll. Although pheresis samples have a high concentration of granulocytes, it is more important to remove the platelets before they activate. An alternative protocol may be that the sample is initially suspended in buffer without ACD-A and then Ficolled. The mononuclear layer may then be resuspended in buffer with ACD-A, and the soft spin performed. We have found it best to just leave the granulocytes and adjust concentration of the antibody (follows).
4.      Count the total number of cells. Combine sample into one 50-mL conical tube. Miltenyi lists antibody amount according to the total number of cells; however, this may be adjusted according to the estimate of number of cells positive for the sorting parameter. Since pheresis has between 1-10% CD34+ cells, we usually use 50% of the recommended amount of antibody. If a Ficoll is not performed, this may be reduced to ? the amount of antibody, but the buffer should not go below ?, and the incubation time should be extended to 30 minutes. Add ? the amount of buffer recommended by Miltenyi. Add ? the amount of reagent A1, shake gently. Add ? the recommended amount of reagent A2, shake gently. Incubate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, gently shaking the sample periodically.
5.      Wash the sample two times with 50 mL of MACS buffer.
6.      Resuspend the sample in _ the recommended amount of buffer, and _ the amount of reagent B, shake gently. Incubate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, gently shaking the sample periodically.
7.      Wash the sample one time with 50 mL of MACS buffer.
8.      Resuspend the sample in at least 10 mL degassed (see Note) MACS buffer for 1 x 109 total cells, or up to 20 mL for 2 x 109 total cells. Run sample over a VS positive selection column.
9.      Wash 2X with 3 mL of degassed buffer.
10.   Attach stop cock and syringe to bottom of VS column. Remove column from magnet. Backflush column with 6 mL of degassed buffer. Replace column in magnet.
11.   Remove stop cock. Allow buffer to flow through column. Wash 2X with 3 mL of buffer.
12.   Remove column from magnet. Add 6 mL buffer to column and allow to run through. Add 6 mL buffer to column and plunge the column.
13.   Count the total number of cells collected from each fraction to calculate the recovery of the separation.
14.   Perform flow cytometry on the collected fractions to assess sample purity with CD45-FITC and CD34-PE (Becton Dickinson).

MACS buffer
Hank's Balanced Saline Solution (HBSS) -Ca+2, -Mg+2
0.5% BSA
0.6% Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose- Formula A (ACDA) (Baxter)
Filter sterilize and store at 4°C

Notes: It is very important when running the magnetic column that only degassed MACS buffer be used. To degas the buffer, place 100 mL of buffer in a 150-mL bottle. Place a rubber stopper attached to a vacuum line over the mouth of the bottle. Turn vacuum on. Allow the buffer to degas at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Replace cap on bottle and refrigerate buffer until cold. Use buffer as directed.

Mouse Tumor Biology (MTB) Database


The Mouse Tumor Biology (MTB) Database supports the use of the mouse as a model system of hereditary cancer by providing electronic access to:

l  Information on endogenous spontaneous and induced tumors in mice, including tumor frequency & latency data,
l  Information on genetically defined mice (inbred, hybrid, mutant, and genetically engineered strains of mice) in which tumors arise,
l  Information on genetic factors associated with tumor susceptibility in mice and somatic genetic-mutations observed in the tumors,
l  Tumor pathology reports and images,
l  References, supporting MTB data
l  Links to other online resources for cancer

http://tumor.informatics.jax.org/mtbwi/index.do

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