VMRL Resources
The following instrumentations are applied in the studies of Dr. Qin's laboratory to detect the metal concentration and distribution in vascular tissues and cells.
Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXRF)
Location: Argonne National Laboratory, Advanced Photo Source
SXRF microscopy uses an X-ray beam to produce electron excitation and,
ultimately, to generate the measurable fluorescence. Each element has a unique
fluorescence spectrum, so this technique allows for multi-element analysis. SXRF
provides qualitative and quantitative information on the distribution,
concentration and chemical state (e.g., oxidative state) of metal cations. SXRF
microscopes with micrometer resolution are available at several synchrotron
sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source (Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, USA).
Use of the Advanced Photon Source is supported by the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Location: Department of Chemistry of the University of Cincinnati
ICP-MS uses an argon plasma to atomize and ionize the sample, allowing for
charged species to enter the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer separates
the ions based on their mass to charge ratio, which also allows for the
specific determination of metals and metal species.
Use of ICP-MS is under a partnership with Dr. Joseph Caruso's laboratory.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
Location: Central Division of Analytical Chemistry,
Forschungszentrum Jülich
LA-ICP-MS uses a fine focused laser beam with micrometer spot size to ablate the
entire thickness (10-100 μm) of a biological sample. The ablated material is
transported into the inductively coupled plasma source (ICP) of the mass
spectrometer using a carrier gas (argon). In the ICP, the ablated material is
vaporized, atomized and ionized. The formed ions are extracted into the mass
spectrometer and separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio.
Use of LA-ICP-MS is under a collaboration with Dr. Becker's laboratory.
Protocols - in vitro experiments
General
cell culture protocol (Sigma)
Subculturing
and preservation of THP-1 cells (ATCC)
Immunocytochemistry
(Imaging Core at the Emory Cardiology)
Protocols - in vivo experiments
Quantitation of mouse atherosclerotic lesions
(Daugherty Lab at the University of Kentucky)
Angiotensin infusion
(Daugherty Lab at the University of Kentucky)
Immunohisto Protocols
(Imaging Core at the Emory Cardiology)
microRNA target gene prediction:
Gene grouping based on molecular functions, cellular components, and biological process:
