LRRI has extensive expertise in various aspects of cellular physiology and biochemistry. Cell systems under study include neurons, immune system cells and exocrine cells. The primary emphasis is on the responses of cells to naturally occurring compounds as well as toxic or potentially therapeutic agents.

 

Key Capabilities:

• Cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays
• Western blot analysis of protein expression and modification including tyrosine phosphorylation ELISA analysis
• Measurement of inositol trisphosphate and cAMP
• Microfluorometric, flow cytometric, or fluorescence microscopic analysis of intracellular free calcium and pH in individual cells or tissue slices
• G-protein activation studies
• Expression of proto-oncogenes by dot blot and Northern analysis
• Expression of cell surface antigens
• Electrophysiology, patch clamping, and microinjection of compounds into cells
• Radioligand binding studies for determination of Bmax and affinity
• In vivo antibody-forming responses in rodents
• FACS analysis of leukocyte populations
• Cell proliferation in response to antigens, mitogens, and toxins
• Macrophage function assays including phagocytosis and antigen presentation
• Analysis of cytokine production and immunoglobulin classes and subclasses
• Animal models of autoimmunity: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats and blood glucose levels and pancreatic histology in non-obese diabetic mice
• Delayed type hypersensitivity responses using local lymph node swelling and ear swelling tests
• Susceptibility of animals to bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes) or viral (influenza) infections

In Addition:

• Confidentiality, proprietary, and intellectual property agreements
• Independent research or collaboration to complement in-house capabilities of industry, government, and academia.

 

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