DNA sequencing and fragment analysis

Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer is fully automated, fluorescence-based 4-capillary electrophoresis instrument. Two main applications of this instrument are DNA sequencing and DNA fragment analysis, but it can also be used for various other fragment analysis-based applications (LOH, MLPA, DGGE, SSCP, MCA, AFLP, SNPlex, SNaPshot). Data acquired by sequencing are processed by Sequencing Analysis Software, SeqScape Software and MicroSeq ID Analysis Software, while GeneMapper Software enables basic processing of data acquired by fragment analysis-based applications.

Real-time PCR

Applied Biosystems 7500 “Real–time” PCR System can perform all major real-time PCR applications including quantitative measurement of mRNA (absolute or relative quantification of gene expression), detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and detection of the presence or absence of a specific target sequence (Plus/minus assays).

Agilent 2001 bioanalyzer, lab-on-a-chip

The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer is a microfluidics-based platform for the analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins and cells. It utilizes micro-fabricated chips, requiring minimum sample consumption and delivering automated, high quality digital data within 30 minutes.

Macromolecules separation by centrifugation

Beside classical laboratory Sorvall centrifuges (Du Pont Instruments), microcentrifuges (Eppendorf) with or without cooling systems, there are also several ultracentrifuges in IMGGE. Optima L-80 XP is a new, enhanced preparative ultracentrifuge instrument, capable of generating 602 000g at speed of up to 80 000 rpm. Centrifugation parameters are optimized by Optima eXPert Software. Environmentally-friendly cooling systems eliminate the need for CFCs.

DNA and protein visualization systems

Biometra`s BioDocAnalyse system, containing very light sensitive CCD camera for image acquisition, is used for high performance gel documentation and gel analysis.
Cyclone Storage Phosphor System (Perkin Elmer)performs filmless autoradiography of electrophoresis gels, blots, thin layer chromatography samples and tissue sections. It provides high resolution images for all commonly used radioisotopes, including 3H, 125I, 14C, 35S, 32P and 33P.
Fluorescence digital imaging of various samples is performed by Olympus BX51 Research Microscope operated by Applied Imaging Software CytoVision 3.1 (CytoVision Master System with Karyotyping & FISH).

Cell culture

We are employing cell culture techniques for gene expression studies in human, plant and animal cell lines. Three fully equipped cell culture rooms fulfill Biosafety Level 2.

Working with radioactive isotopes

Institute has a license, issued by national Ministry of Science, to use radioactive isotopes for research purpose. Experiments are performing in the well equipped laboratory enabling wide range of techniques for DNA and protein analysis to be carried out.

Green house

Since the July 2006. there is a greenhouse (6x6m) within the institute. The greenhouse is equipped with heating and watering system. Buckwheat, tobacco and Arabidopsis plants which are grown in it, are used for gene expression and function analysis.

Low temperatures storage systems

For long term storage of various biological samples at very low temperatures we are using Kottermann, Sanyo and Heraeus deep freezers (-80oC) and liquid nitrogen containers (-196oC).

Hands-on training Laboratory

Used for presentations, workshops and practical training of PhD students.