There are two microarray core resource facilities, one located at the
Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Gaithersburg headed by Dr. Ernie
Kawasaki and one located in the Molecular Technology Lab in Frederick
headed by Dr. David Munroe.
The mission of the Microarray
Facility at the ATC is to:
The Facility produces a human array of 9,000 genes. The synthesis of
larger human arrays are being investigated utilizing new oligonucleotide
technologies. Rat and mouse gene sequences are also being used in these
studies. The ATC facility is also responsible for coordinating the use
of high-density oligonucleotide arrays and instrumentation obtained
from Affymetrix. The Affymetrix Genechip uses the draft human genome
data to check the accuracy of sequences from public source databases,
such as GenBank and RefSeq against the actual genome map. This cross
checking of sequence information helps ensure high quality design data,
helps in understanding gene relationships, and makes follow-up studies
easier. There are more than 500,000 unique features on each chip. In
addition discussions are ongoing with Agilent, Genspectra, and Motorola
to explore additional microarray designs, printing techniques and informatics
support.
The Laboratory of Molecular
Technology (LMT, SAIC) is located at NCI-Frederick. The LMT is NCI's
newest state-of-the-art gene discovery facility featuring high-throughput,
cutting-edge genomics and analysis capabilities, including microarray
services and technology development. The LMT Microarray Group coordinates
their efforts with the ATC, and currently offers the Incyte GEM-2-based
mouse array. New high-density mouse arrays are under development and
will be available soon.
Microarray Steering Committee. Headed by Dr. Jeffrey Green,
this steering committee will coordinate production of the gene microarrays
currently being printed at both the ATC and at the LMT. The purpose
is to facilitate the development of new array technologies, as well
as the printing and distribution of microarrays to NCI researchers.
Dr. Green will act as liaison between the Steering Committee, scientific
investigators, ATC staff, and the LMT, to ensure implementation of programs
and technologies that meet the needs of the scientific community. The
Steering Committee plans to improve both the quality of the arrays and
turnaround time, as well as explore new technologies.
Contacts:
Dr. Ernie Kawasaki at kawasake@mail.nih.gov
Dr. David Munroe at dm368n@nih.gov
Dr. Jeff Green at jg155c@nih.gov
