CTSI Core Laboratory
The primary function of the Core Laboratory is to provide molecular biology support
for CTSI clinical research protocols. An additional function is the training
of clinical research fellows and medical students in the laboratory methods
of patient oriented research.
The goal of the Core Laboratory is to address the molecular biological needs of clinical researchers in the CTSI. In the last two decades, the discovery of restriction endonucleases, DNA ligases, reverse transcriptases and thermal stable polymerases, combined with the development of methods such as Southern and Northern analysis, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a wide variety of cloning and expression vectors, has provided vital tools for DNA recombinant technology. The mission is to develop and provide techniques for investigators to elucidate the molecular pathophysiology of clinical diseases. The Core Laboratory provides molecular biology support, gene therapy development and support for enzyme replacement clinical treatment protocols in the metabolic and inherited diseases. An additional function is the training of clinical research fellows and medical students in the laboratory methods of patient-oriented research. The Biosafety Level-2 certified Core Laboratory has been developed with state-of-the-art equipment to support clinical protocols. We have expanded the function of molecular biology to microarray technology and joined this to the Bioinformatics Core and the Biostatistics Cores. We have added the Lumenix system for detection of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and other proteins, plus microRNA technology which has been extremely valuable in many studies. These methods and experiments often appear challenging to the new investigator. Therefore the Core Laboratory serves to education and provide technical support to the investigators utilizing the CTSI.
The Core Laboratory's Director is Frank Martiniuk, PhD. Dr. Martiniuk is well trained in molecular biology, microarray technology, plus enzyme and gene therapy. He earned his PhD at NYU School of Medicine with Rochelle Hirschhorn, MD, in medical and molecular genetics on biochemical and molecular mechanisms of acid maltase deficiency (glycogen storage disease type II, GSDII, Pompe's disease). He has his own research laboratory on the 6th floor of the New Bellevue building. Dr. Martiniuk has over 110 publications. The Core Laboratory staff includes Yanshen Hsu, PhD, research scientist, who supervises administrative aspects of the Core Laboratory (laboratory hygiene, ordering supplies, radiation safety, chemical safety, inspections, etc). He has been a molecular and cell biology scientist for 15 years and completed a 3-year Post-Doctoral fellowship with Joan Reibman, MD. Maryann Huie, PhD, research scientist received her PhD in Dr. Gordon's laboratory at NYU in 1991. Her thesis was the isolation of Kueffer cells and hematopoetic factors in the liver with expertise in electron microscopy. She did a post-doctoral training in the laboratory of Rochelle Hirschhorn, MD, where she studied the molecular genetics of adenosine deaminase deficiency and acid maltase deficiency.
The Core Laboratory consists of two main rooms (1200 square
feet) on New Bellevue 8 East. The Laboratory has a tissue
culture facility that allows CTSI investigators to process
human samples and culture cell lines for molecular biology
techniques. Some of the primary duties include synthesis
of oligonucleotide primers for use in DNA sequencing, primer
directed mutagenesis, PCR, cDNA or genomic DNA library construction
and DNA mobility shift assays. DNA thermal cyclers for PCR
and Taq polymerase sequencing are available for use. An
ELISA reader is utilized for evaluation of cytokines. The lab
is also equipped for standard DNA sequencing by dideoxy chain
termination using either Sequenase, reverse transcriptase,
Klenow and newer sequencing methods with Taq polymerase and
thermal cycling. Automatic sequencing is available to CTSI
investigators in the Skirball
Institute.
The Core Lab teaches molecular biology techniques and principles to investigators, fellows, medical students and technical staff. Some of the techniques that are being taught include Southern, Northern, and Western analysis, labeling techniques, RNA and DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, dideoxy DNA sequencing, recombinant cDNA or genomic DNA library construction and transfection of DNA into mammalian cells.
This facility contains all essential equipment required for molecular techniques and tissue culture including microfuges, speed-vac, ultra/high/low speed centrifuges, two BL-2 tissue culture hoods, PCR hood, shaker, circulating water baths, water baths, hybridization oven, thermal cyclers, computers, ELISA reader, biosafety cabinet, refrigerator, cold box, cytospin, 2 microscopes and three -80°C freezers. The refrigerator and freezer can only be used to store samples temporarily. Samples can be separated and aliquoted, provided written instructions are noted in the standardized orders. Investigators need to indicate whether they need to have access to this facility, who will process specimens (our staff or their associates), frequency of use, time(s) of day, number of samples, etc.
For more information contact:
Frank Martiniuk, Ph.D
frank.martiniuk@nyumc.org
212-263-8091
