LCM isolates specific cells or tissues from samples mounted on microscope slides. The samples are viewed through a thermoplastic film that is attached to a microcentrifuge tube lid. Localized heat, caused by the application of a laser pulse, fuses the membrane to the cells of interest, which can then be harvested for further analysis. RNA and proteins can be purified from the isolated cells, allowing detailed analysis of gene expression. This protocol is divided into three stages. - [Read (LCM): Preparation and Sectioning of Frozen Tissue Blocks and Purification of RNA from Isolated Cel]
Protocol for northern hybridization. Protocol describes how to carry out northern hybridization at high stringency in phosphate-SDS-buffers. Although a wide variety of formats are available, hybridization is usually performed in heat-sealable bags, roller bottles, or plastic boxes, as described here. - [Read Northern Hybridization Protocol]
Protocol for Immunofluorescence - Salmon Lab. Making Boiled Donkey (or whatever) Serum (BDS) for Blocking. Making Heat-Inactivated Serum for Blocking. Mounting Media. - [Read Protocol for Immunofluorescence]
Single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) is a powerful and robust method for the detection of DNA sequence changes (single-base substitutions) based on shifts in electrophoretic mobility. In this protocol, the target sequence is simultaneously labeled and amplified, then heat-denatured and resolved by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. - [Read Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis Protocol]
The target sequence is simultaneously labeled and amplified, then heat-denatured and resolved by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Differences in sequence alter the conformation of the DNA and hence its electrophoretic mobility and, because of the high resolution of polyacrylamide gels, most conformational changes caused by subtle changes in sequence can be detected. - [Read Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis Protocol]
Protocol for southern hybridization of radiolabeled probes to nucleic acids immobilized on membranes. Protocol describes how to carry out Southern hybridizations at high stringency in phosphate-SDS buffers. Although a wide variety of formats are available, most Southern hybridizations are carried out in heat-sealable bags, roller bottles, or plastic boxes. - [Read Southern Hybridization of Radiolabeled Probes to Nucleic Acids Immobilized on Membranes Protocol]
Several methods have been developed to "retrieve" antigens that have been masked by fixation. The principle behind using the microwave oven method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. Be aware that any of the antigen retrieval methods should be avoided wherever possible, because they may introduce artifactual false-positive staining. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Microwave Oven Protocol]
The principle behind the pressure cooker method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. This approach is appropriate for handling specimens on glass slides. The major advantages of the pressure cooker method are the ability to handle a large number of slides simultaneously, the convenience of using metal racks, and the avoidance of any hot spots that are found in the microwave. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Pressure Cooker Protocol]
DNA microarrays are an ordered arrangement of DNA molecules complementary to genes of interest that are "spotted" by robotic equipment onto a glass slide substrate. The expression of genes in cells can be monitored with microarrays by preparing cDNA from the mRNA of cells of interest and measuring the hybridization to the microarray. This protocol describes the labeling of genomic DNA for use as a probe for hybridization to the cDNA spotted on the array.
This Microarray Protocol Preparation of Fluorescent DNA Probes from Human mRNA protocol describes the production of probes labeled with the fluorescent dyes, Cy3 and Cy5, following the synthesis of cDNA from human mRNA and the hybridization of the probes to DNA microarrays.
The DNA Ligation protocol described here contains the steps required to join together using ligase enzyme both plasmid DNA and insert DNA fragments in order to create a new plasmid. This new ligated plasmid can be transformed after into competent bacteria to produce DNA for mini, midi or maxi-prep isolation.
This protocol a protocol on how to generate transfected embryonic stem (ES) cell clones. The previous protocol in this series is the Protocol for Electroporation of ES cells. The next protocol in the series is the Protocol on Disaggregation, Expansion, and Freezing of Transfected ES Clones.