Molecular Biology Core

The Molecular Biology Core (MBC) is one of the original UCSD Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) service cores, in continuous operation since 1995.  The MBC's principal objective is to support  HIV research at UCSD, the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHCS), the Veterans Medical Research Foundation (VMRF), The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), and other institutions by providing molecular biology services.  We work closely with investigators and often import or develop and validate new assays specific for client needs. 

Services.  The MBC provides general sequencing on ABI3100 instruments, but the core specializes in PCR amplification and sequencing of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis C (HCV), and influenza virus, including HIV and HCV genotyping.  The MBC also provides viral detection and quantitation (real-time kinetic PCR) for viruses including KSHV and EBV, as well as murine and lentiviral vectors.

Assays for mammalian genotyping developed at the MBC include rapid turn-around CCR5Δ32 typing, and SNP analysis for apolipoprotein E (ApoE, rs429358 & rs7412), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF, rs6265),  solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (sclo1b1, rs4363657), inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (itpa, rs127354), and interferon lambda (IL28b, rs12979860) polymorphisms.

The MBC also performs custom vector design and construction, including  lentiviral vector preparations, expression vectors, and shRNA vectors to knockout selected genes.  Another frequently requested resource is a local library of useful HIV-related plasmids and other reagents. 

A complete list of core services and current prices can be found at:

http://molbiocore.ucsd.edu/services.html

Contact Information.   The MBC Core is directed by Dr. David Looney.  Werner Witke is the senior core technician.  Visit the MBC website at http://molbiocore.ucsd.edu, where you can register and order services online, track samples, and retrieve results, or contact the core via email at molbiocore@ucsd.edu, dlooney@ucsd.edu, or wwitke@ucsd.edu.