Molecular Cytogenetics & Microscopy Core
The inter-related aims of this research facility are to provide investigators at the WTCHG with
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Molecular Cytogenetics support
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Access to bright-field, fluorescence and confocal microscopy
In addition, the Core serves as a reference source within the University providing advice and collaboration for research projects employing fluorescence in situ hybridisation and other immuno-fluorescence cytological techniques.
Molecular Cytogenetics
The Core Staff carries out Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) experiments and chromosomal analysis for:
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Verification of chromosomal location of clones/probes
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Identification of chromosomal anomalies and analysis of candidate regions in patients or individuals who manifest some of the clinical symptoms of a specific disease
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Characterisation of transgenic loci
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Verification of cell lines authenticity; assessment of their chromosome content and gene copy number prior to molecular investigations
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Validation of genome architecture and copy number variation (CNV) studies
As well as DNA-FISH, the portfolio of cytological techniques available in the Core comprises M-FISH, RNA-FISH, chromosome analysis & karyotyping, immunoFISH, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization on tissue.
Follow the Molecular Cytogenetics link for further details including our cost recovery charges.
For detailed information about modern molecular cytogenetic laboratory techniques see the new book "Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) - Protocols and applications", edited by Joanna Bridger (Brunel University) and Dr Emanuela Volpi (Core Head): 2010, 451 pages.
Microscopy
The Core provides microscopy imaging facilities, advice on their use and general technical support. There is one Zeiss 510 MetaHead confocal and two standard wide-field fluorescence microscope imaging systems, plus image analysis and process workstations running Applied Imaging Genus, NIS, IPLab, MetaMorph, ImagePro Plus [LaserPix], ImageJ and Volocity. For further details follow the Microscopy link. You must be on the Wellcome Intranet for some of our in-house pdf guide download links to work.
As well as helping with imaging and analysis at the microscope, upon consultation the Core can provide with advice on the overall experimental strategy and help with the design and practical execution of immunostaining experiments.
Core Members
- Group Head : Dr. Emanuela Volpi
- Core Staff : Dr. Daniela Moralli
[Cell Culture, FISH, Chromosomal Karyotyping & Analysis] - Core Staff : Dr. Keith J Morris
[Microscopy Core, Live Cell & Image Processing/Analysis, Web Pages]
To Contact us
For general molecular cytogenetics and microscope inquiries, and to arrange microscope training, please email us at microscopy@well.ox.ac.uk. Our telephone number's are: 01865 287568 - the Core laboratory, and 01865 287646 - Dr E. Volpi's office. Internal Oxford University staff need only dial extensions 87568 and 87646 respectively.