Facilities
Bioimaging
The Bioimaging Facility offers state-of-the-art imaging equipment to all members of the Faculty, the University and beyond. There are over 16 different microscope systems, so if you have a project that requires imaging we should have a system to meet your specifications.
Enquiries: Dr Peter March ¦
Email: peter.march@manchester.ac.uk ¦
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1571
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Highlights and achievements
The Bioimaging Facility has contributed to a number of high impact publications including Genes and Development and Nature. We have also a number of collaborations with other imaging facilities around the country and have close working relationships with many of the microscope and imaging companies. We run regular imaging workshops for Life Sciences' members and also host workshops, in collaboration with the microscope companies, for external users.
Equipment
- Leica SP5 inverted
- Leica SP5 upright
- Leica SP2 inverted
- Nikon C1 upright
- Nicon C1 inverted
- API Delta Visions
- Leica AS MDW
- PALM laser
- BD Pathway
- Roper widefield
- Widefields
- Bioluminescence
- Off-line image analysis
Services
The Bioimaging facility has three full time members of staff that are able to assist you in all areas of your imaging project from design through to image processing and analysis. Before you begin your project we encourage you to discuss your requirements with us and we can advise you on your protocols and which system to use. We then provide full training on all of the systems and offer continued support right through the project.
Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics Facility provides bioinformatics expertise to the Faculty of Life Sciences. It brings together experts in microarray and proteomics analysis, as well as supporting more general aspects of research computing in biology. The facility also provides and supports analytical software including various microarray-related packages and Mascot.
Enquiries: Dr Leo Zeef ¦ Email: leo.zeef@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1482
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Highlights and achievements
Since its inception in 2006 the facility has contributed to a number of publications in a broad range of journals. Members of the facility keep well-informed about the latest developments and seek to evaluate new technologies on behalf of researchers in the Faculty.
Services
The Bioinformatics facility comprises three full-time members of staff. Users are encouraged to discuss their requirements in advance, which allows us to assist in the design of experiments so as to provide the most effective data analysis at the end of the project. While our primary role is to work with other core facilities, especially biomolecular analysis and microarray, we also work directly with researchers throughout FLS.
Biomolecular Analysis
The Biomolecular Analysis Facility is a state-of-the-art resource for the identification of proteins and the subsequent investigation of their size, shape and interactions.
Enquiries:
Dr Tom Jowitt (Biomolecular Analysis) ¦ Email: t.jowitt@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1561
Dr David Knight (Mass Spectrometry) ¦ Email: david.knight@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1561
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Highlights and achievements
The Biomolecular Analysis Core Facility is one of the largest of its kind in the country. It contains 16 complimentary analysis systems (9 biophysical and 7 mass spectrometric) supported by high resolution electrophoretic and chromatographic micro separation systems. The five dedicated facility staff provide service support for the most popular applications as well as developing and establishing new methodologies using the equipment. Recent publications using data created within the facility include ones in Nature and Journal of Cell Science.
Equipment
- Analytical ultracentrifugation
- Calorimetry
- Circular dichroism (CD)
- Fluorescence spectroscopy
- HPLC
- Mass spectrometry
- Multi-angle light scattering
- Surface plasmon resonance
Services
The facility has been set up to promote and facilitate the use of biomolecular analysis techniques in the Faculty. There are a number of different modes of interaction with the facility including tailored project advice, full service provision, project work involving facility staff and supported instrument access.
DNA Sequencing
The DNA Sequencing Facility provides high quality, high throughput DNA sequence
data while maintaining an efficient turnaround time. Users are provided with
sequence data and application support for downstream data analyses. We can offer
a comprehensive troubleshooting of sequence data. You can discuss problems with
sequencing product clean up and selection of suitable template preparation
methodologies and we can advise on aspects of your experimental design.
Enquiries: Paul Fullwood ¦ Email:
paul.fullwood@manchester.ac.uk
¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 4867
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Equipment
- Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer
- All currently available versions of the Applied Biosystems BigDye Terminator cycle sequencing chemistries
Services
"Load-only" - Pre-sequenced DNA samples arrive as dried precipitated pellets, preferably in sequentially numbered eppendorfs. These are then resuspended and rearrayed into a plate format appropriate for the 3730 Genetic Analyser.
"In-house" DNA sequencing - Prospective users of this service are requested to provide purified DNA template (PCR fragment or plasmid) usually with a gel photograph for quantitation purposes, and any specific primers where required. Standard vector primers are supplied by the facility. End-users are provided with sequence data and application support for downstream data analyses.
Electron Microscopy
The facility houses five electron microscopes, a comprehensive preparation
laboratory which includes a range of specialised sample preparation equipment, a
photographic dark room, digital imaging facilities and a suite of computer
workstations for image processing. The facility is staffed by a manager, an
experimental officer and two experienced microscopists.
Enquiries: Dr. Aleksandr Mironov ¦ Email: aleksandr.mironov@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5645
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Highlights and achievements
The facility is actively involved in a wide range of research topics across the faculty and in the past few years has contributed to over 50 scientific publications in high profile biological journals including 22 publications where EM staff members were authors. EM staff are available to train and assist both staff and students in all aspects of electron microscopy and is regularly involved in the promotion of electron microscopy to schools and colleges through talks and hands on demonstrations.
Equipment
- FEI Polara 300kV FEG transmission electron microscope with postcolumn energy filter
- FEI Tecnai12 BioTwin transmission electron microscope
- FEI Tecnai12 Twin transmission electron microscope
- Leica EMpact high pressure freezing equipment
- Reichert Jung Ultramicrotomes and Leica Cryo Ultramicrotomes
- Miscellaneous TEM, cryo TEM and SEM sample preparation equipment
- High resolution large format digital film scanner
- Baltec high pressure freezing equipment
Techniques
Techniques routinely available in the facility include embedding, sectioning and staining, negative staining and immuno-labelling. Additionally, the facility has expertise in the specialist techniques of cryo-sectioning, quantitative STEM mass mapping, single particle image analysis, 3D reconstruction using electron tomography or serial sections.
Fast Reaction
The fast reaction facility consists of a suite of fast reaction kinetic
instrumentation for the measurement of chemical reactions on the nanosecond to
millisecond timescale. The kinetics equipment is located in state-of-the-art
laboratories within the MIB,
adjacent to the wet laboratories of the Molecular Enzymology Group on floor 3.
To support the fast reaction kinetic measurements we have a number of peripheral
instruments including spectrophotometers, CD machine, fluorimeters, and
potentiometry apparatus. A number of our instruments are maintained in anaerobic
glove box environments.
Enquiries:
Dr
Derren Heyes ¦ Email:
derren.heyes@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 306 5159
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Highlights and achievements
The facility offers state-of-the art equipment, which can be used to study many different types of reactions from the nanosecond through to minute timescales. The facility is actively involved in a wide range of research topics and has contributed to a number of publications in a broad range of journals. We are available to train and assist both staff and students in all aspects of fast reaction work.
Equipment
- Several conventional stopped-flow rapid mixing instruments with absorption, fluorescence, polarisation and diode array detection systems.
- Laser flash photolysis apparatus, comprising a ‘tunable’ Nd YAG laser system, with absorption, fluorescence and diode array detection.
- T-jump equilibrium perturbation instrument.
- High Pressure stopped-flow instrument with absorption, fluorescence and diode array detection.
- Cryogenic stopped-flow instrument with absorption, fluorescence and diode array detection.
- Magnetic field effect stopped-flow instrument with absorption, fluorescence and diode array detection.
- FTIR stopped-flow machine
Services
The facility has been set up to promote and facilitate the use of fast reaction techniques, mainly for the study of enzyme-catalysed reactions. All users are encouraged to discuss their requirements in advance to allow us to advise on the type of experiments that are most suitable for a particular project. We provide full training for new users to ensure safe and proper use of all instrumentation and can provide further support and instruction, depending on the level of user competence.
Flow Cytometry
As the original high content analysis technique, flow cytometry is an essential tool for cellular analysis. A flow cytometer has the ability to make multiple measurements on individual cells and to do that on thousands of cells per second, which can reveal the heterogeneity in cell populations hidden by other techniques.
On flow cytometers with the “sorting” capability, it is possible to go beyond analysis of the sample and physically separate out particular cell populations for further analysis by other techniques, or to put them in to culture.
Enquiries: Mr Mike Jackson ¦ Email:
m.c.jackson@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5468
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Equipment
- Beckman Coulter Cyan ADP
- BD Bioscience FACSAria
Services
- Beckman Coulter ADP Analysis: 488, 633 & 405nm lasers for excitation, 8 fluorescence detectors
- FACSAria Analysis: 488, 633 & 592nm excitation, 9 fluorescence detectors
- Sorting: In to tubes (1.5ml, 5ml, 15ml), multiwell plates and on to slides
Fly Facility
The Drosophila Core Research Facility (Fly Facility) at the Faculty of
Life Sciences supports research involving the genetic model organism
Drosophila melanogaster. The Facility was established through funds from
the University and Wellcome Trust. This dedicated state-of-the-art Facility and
the unique expertise therein is open to all scientists who already use
fruitflies or intend to expand their research to Drosophila.
Enquiries:
Sanjai
Patel ¦ Email:
sanjai.patel@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5628
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Highlights and achievements
The Manchester Fly facility is one of the largest Fly facilities in the UK. Active users comprise 13 groups using Drosophila in a broad range of scientific research areas.
Equipment
- Constant temperature rooms and incubators for fly storage
- Dedicated work stations for classical genetic work
- Fluorescent dissection microscopes, equipped with camera for documentation and demonstration purposes
- Fluorescent microscope, equipped with camera for documentation and demonstration purposes
- Twin-headed teaching dissection microscope
- Dark area with incubators for work on circadian rhythm
- Laboratory hood for hazardous work including mutagenesis
- X-ray source for mutagenesis and somatic recombination experiments
- Computer/Internet access
Services
Apart from the available infrastructure, we offer
- comprehensive training and advice on Drosophila husbandry, fly genetics and Drosophila-specific experimental techniques
- advise on Drosophila-related experiments
- a collection of readily available, helpful Drosophila stocks
- a collection of Drosophila-specific DNA vectors
- a collection of Drosophila-specific books
- supply of fly food and other consumables relevant for fly work
Genomic Technologies
The Genomic Technologies Facility was established to provide access to Affymetrix GeneChip technology for the Faculty.
The basic concept behind the use of GeneChip arrays for gene expression is
simple: labeled cDNA or cRNA targets derived from the mRNA of an experimental
sample are hybridized to nucleic acid probes attached to the solid support. By
monitoring the amount of label associated with each DNA location, it is possible
to infer the abundance of each mRNA species represented. Although hybridization
has been used for decades to detect and quantify nucleic acids, the combination
of the miniaturization of the technology and the large and growing amounts of
sequence information, have enormously expanded the scale at which gene
expression can be studied.
Enquiries: Dr Andy
Hayes ¦ Email:
andy.hayes@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1589
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Highlights and achievements
We have contributed to several publications in the last five years, including notable journals such as Molecular Cell Biology and Nature Genetics. The Facility has also established a new Wellcome Trust funded RNAi library screening facility.
Equipment
- Affymetrix GeneChip system comprising of a hybridization station, FS450 fluidics stations, 3000 Hi Res. scanner, autoloader and workstations;
- extensive liquid handling capacity;
- Agilent Bioanalyzer;
- Nanodrop ultra-low volume spectrometry for quantification of, and for assessing the integrity of RNA samples
- 2 x MJ Research Chromo4 for up to 4 channel qPCR
- Amaxa (96-well plate) Nucleofactor
Services
- Comprehensive Affymetrix Genechip service
- qPCR instruments
- RNAi library screening
Histology
The Histology Facility provides the equipment and technical support for
producing high quality tissue sections for microscopy. Handling of tissue prior
to histology is a key step in obtaining good data. We provide advice and
protocols on the best methods for tissue preparation, preservation and
processing in order to achieve the best from your samples.
Enquiries:
Mr Peter Walker ¦ Email:
peter.walker@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 1476
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Highlights and achievements
Histology supports a wide range of research projects within the Faculty across most research groups. Our state-of-the-art facility is housed within the AV Hill Building and provides advice, training and support for all histological procedures from tissue/cell acquisition through processing, sectioning, staining (including standard histological, immuno and in situ protocols) and imaging. For high end imaging and analysis we refer you to the Bioimaging facility.
Equipment
- Automated tissue processor: Shandon Citadel 2000
- Wax embedding station: ThermoShandon Histocentre2
- Automated microtome: Leica RM 2155
- Manual microtome: Microm HM 330
- Vibratome: GS series 1000 classic
- Manual cryostat: Shandon AS260
- Automated staining: ThermoShandon Varistain 24-4
- A Microm HM560 automated cryostat
- A Microm automated tissue processor
- A Microm wax-embedding station
- 2 Microm HM355s automated microtomes
- A Thermo Shandon Linistain GLX stainer (for H&E staining)
Services
The facilities cover the preparation and processing of tissues, their cutting/sectioning and staining. The labs house modern equipment, much of which is fully or partially automated. Our equipment supports both paraffin-embedded and frozen cryo sectioning, making both these processes as easy as possible within a friendly and helpful environment.
Macromolecular Crystallography
The high level of detailed insight and understanding of macromolecule structure and function offered by crystallography is undoubtedly unparalleled and underpins much of our present understanding of life at the cellular level.
Located in the Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre (MIB), the Macromolecular Crystallography Facility contains state-of-the art instrumentation that supports the structural biology groups within the Faculty and offers a dedicated crystallisation and crystal characterisation service. Inquiries from other Faculties and external organisations are encouraged.
The Facility acts as a focal point for diverse crystallographic structural studies throughout the Faculty. User interaction is encouraged and hence knowledge sharing is at a premium. A formal ‘structuring’ service is available. Support and instruction is continually provided depending on level of user competence.
Enquiries:
Dr Patrick Bryant ¦ Email:
p.k.bryant@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: + 44 (0)161 275 5090
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Equipment
- Microfocus rotating anode generator (Rigaku MicroMax007)
- Image plate technology (Raxis IV++)
- Cold stream generator (X-Stream 2000)
- Art Robbins Phoenix robotic system
- CrysCam automatic plate scanning unit
- Crystallographic computing facilities
- Dynamic Light Scattering; Zetasizer Nano-S (Malvern Instruments)
- Microfocus rotating anode generator (Bruker MicroStar)
- Diffraction data acquired via CCD technology (X8 Proteum 4K CCD, 135mm diameter)
- Cold stream generator (Oxford Cryosystems Cobra)
- Kappa geometry four-circle goniometer
- Temperature controlled incubators
- Molecular Dimensions Mosquito robot
- Microspectrophotometer
Services
- Advice on Target determination
- Advice on Target production
- High-throughput crystallisation
- Initial Crystal characterisation
NMR Facility
We can help with advice on the type of NMR experiments that will be most suitable, appropriate and informative for a particular project, and provide help with setting up experiments and training for regular NMR users.
Enquiries:
Dr
Alexandar (Sasha) Golovanov ¦ Email:
A.Golovanov@manchester.ac.uk ¦
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 5813/5814
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Equipment
- 600 MHz Bruker DRX four-channel liquid-state spectrometer
This machine is used for the experiments in liquid state, in particular, for structural and dynamical studies of biological molecules and intermolecular (e.g., protein-ligand) interactions.
- 400 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer
For the analysis of water-insoluble biological materials at temperatures from -120 oC to 100 oC. Applications include structural analysis of membrane and amyloid proteins and studies of the composition and properties of bone and tissue.
Protein Expression
This core facility provides a comprehensive resource for the production of
recombinant proteins. Currently we offer a choice of three expression systems:
bacteria, insect and mammalian cells. Depending on particular needs we are able
to provide either small scale production facilities for biochemical analysis and
antibody production or larger scale production for structural studies.
Enquiries:
Dr
Edward McKenzie ¦ Email:
edward.a.mckenzie@manchester.ac.uk ¦ Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5106
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Highlights and achievements
The Protein Expression facility has been developed following the success of a one
year pilot project within the Faculty. One of these pilot projects has already
contributed to a Biochemical J. publication on the phosphoregulation of human
Mps1 kinase.
Services
- High level expression and scale-up production of recombinant proteins
- Protein purification
- Cloning service
- Troubleshooting service
- In-house R&D vector design
- Vector DNA and E.coli strain bank
- Training courses