GEL
Provides Core Support
For Gene Expression Profiling
Collaboration and identifying promising new avenues of research are core elements in the mission of the Gene Expression Laboratory (GEL), the first research facility in the Miami Valley region to acquire gene array technology.
The GEL was established in
1999 as a collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base and Wright State University School of Medicine. Since then
GEL researchers have undertaken collaborative studies of gene expression
in exposure to environmental toxins (funded by the Air Force), Gulf War
Syndrome (funded by the Department of Defense) and cancer (funded by the
National Cancer Institute).
"Using gene arrays to
determine global changes in gene expression represents a new research
paradigm," explains Steven Berberich, Ph.D., GEL director. "Basic
and clinical researchers no longer need to limit their investigations
to individual or a small number of genes previously shown to correlate
with a given disease state. The gene expression profile provides a wealth
of data about thousands of genes that may be active or inactive at any
given point in time."
Thanks to a grant from the
Kettering Fund, the GEL launched two initiatives this year that make the
new technology available to a wider range of Wright State faculty. One
is a clinical collaboration with the Gynecologic Oncology Center at Miami
Valley Hospital. Its goal is determining the effectiveness of gene expression
profiles in diagnosing ovarian and endometrial tumors.
The other is the Core
DNA Microarray Program, a seed grant initiative that offers material
and technical support to faculty who want to incorporate gene expression
profiling in new and ongoing research projects. Its goal is supporting
pilot studies with strong potential for securing extramural funding. The
SOM Research Committee reviewed proposals and selected three investigators
for support.
The Core DNA seed grants may
be offered again, depending on the availability of future funding. In
the mean time, faculty with extramural resources can utilize GEL services
as a core facility, according to Dr. Berberich.
"If you have an experimental
approach that could use gene expression profiling, we can assist at multiple
levels," he says. An investigator can request GEL assistance on a
fee-for-service basis, paying for materials (DNA chips and reagents) and
technician time. Investigators also can propose collaborative projects
with GEL researchers that involve cost- and time-sharing.
For more information about
working with the Gene Expression Laboratory, contact Dr. Berberich at
(937) 775-4494; email steven.berberich@wright.edu.
