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Core Facilities

Histology/Microscopy:

The Histology and Microscopy Core is a research facility which is open to everyone in the Gallo Center who has plans to investigate molecular and structural changes in the brain using microscopic methods. We provide hands-on training in histological staining, imaging and provide daily access to the centralized imaging and histology equipment (Zeiss LSM 510 Meta confocal system, laser capture microdissection system, cryostats from Leica and Microm, and many more). We also perform quality histological services for various ongoing projects on a re-charge basis, such as preparing tissue samples from transgenic animals, or performing histological controls for behavioral studies using Nissl staining of serial brain sections. We have years of experience in using successfully advanced cytochemical and imaging techniques for detection of proteins, gene reporters and mRNA in neuronal cells and we also encourage use of classical morphological techniques such as Golgi impregnation to study aberrant changes in brain cells that can be induced by drugs of abuse.

Contacts:

Viktor Kharazia, Ph.D. Core Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contributions to recent publications:

Martini L, Waldhoer M, Pusch M, Kharazia V, Fong J, Lee JH, Freissmuth C, Whistler JL. Related Articles Ligand-induced down-regulation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor is mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor-associated sorting protein GASP1. FASEB J. 2007 21(3):802-11.

Ashique AM, Kharazia V, Yaka R, Phamluong K, Peterson AS, Ron D. Localization of the scaffolding protein RACK1 in the developing and adult mouse brain. Brain Res. 2006 1069(1):31-8

Choi DS, Wang D, Yu GQ, Zhu G, Kharazia VN, Paredes JP, Chang WS, Deitchman JK, Mucke L, Messing RO. PKCepsilon increases endothelin converting enzyme activity and reduces amyloid plaque pathology in transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 103(21): 8215-20.

Bartlett SE, Enquist J, Hopf FW, Lee JH, Gladher F, Kharazia V, Waldhoer M, Mailliard WS, Armstrong R, Bonci A, Whistler JL. Dopamine responsiveness is regulated by targeted sorting of D2 receptors Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 102(32): 11521-6.

McGough NN, He DY, Logrip ML, Jeanblanc J, Phamluong K, Luong K, Kharazia V, Janak PH, Ron D. RACK1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a homeostatic pathway that regulates alcohol addiction. J Neurosci. 2004 24(46):10542-52.

Chou WH, Choi DS, Zhang H, Mu D, McMahon T, Kharazia VN, Lowell CA, Ferriero DM, Messing RO. Neutrophil protein kinase Cdelta as a mediator of stroke-reperfusion injury. J Clin Invest. 2004 114(1):49-56.

Other neuroanatomical references can be found here.


Cell Culture:
The Gallo Center Cell Culture Core, established in 1984, provides centralized services and support for a wide range of research at the Center. Our researchers enjoy the use of this state-of-the-art facility for their work with various mammalian cell lines, insect cells, human blood cells, human viruses, primary brain cells, and ES cells for developing gene knockout mice. A trained cell culture staff is responsible for all maintenance, stocking and reordering of supplies and media. They also provide weekend and holiday coverage to maintain stock cultures and to carry out experimental directives from the laboratories.
There are three cell culture suites, comprised of 7 individual clean rooms for sterile work. Each room has 2 Biosafety II hoods, a minimum of 4 incubators, and an inverted Nikon microscope. The adjoining prep rooms have the necessary centrifuges, water baths, refrigerators, freezers and cryotanks.