Laboratories for biology and molecular biology

Tissue culture laboratory 

Our lab is fully equipped for cell culture, and the lab is divided in separate zones for work with mammalian cells, fish cells and parasites. The laboratory is located in close proximity to downstream analytical equipment such as flow cytometers and microscopes.  

Contact person: Julie Nikolaisen

Flow cytometry

Cells can be labelled with fluorescent conjugated antibodies or stained with fluorescent markers. The cells are passing the laser beam as beads on a sting due to hydrodynamic focusing, and diffraction and fluorescence intensity is measured for each individual cell, and gives data on cell size, granularity and the relative level of  the fluorescent marker. We also have the possibility to sort individual cell or cell populations of interest for continued culture or downstream analysis.   

Contact persons: Hanne Røland Hagland og Krista Michelle Kaster

Sequencing

Next generation Sequencing: Second generation sequencing methods, also called next generation sequencing (NGS), are currently the most used sequencing method. NGS also known as massively parallel sequencing technologies and can produce thousands or millions of sequences simultaneously. Third-Generation Sequencing: The method is relatively new and called the next era of DNA sequencing technology, termed third-generation sequencing (TGS).  Third generation sequencing, also called long-read sequencing, is mainly used for sequencing nucleotides in long sequences without having to divide the template up into small pieces. Chromium System (short-read sequencing technologies): An Advanced technology (Next GEM technology) with a single cell approach. Next GEM (Gel Beads-in-emulsion) technology, from 10X genomics is a microfluidics-based method which, enables integrated analysis of single cells at a massive scale to generate tens of thousands of single cell partitions, each containing an identifying barcode for downstream analysis.

Contact persons: Dugassa Nemie Feyissa

Zebra fish laboratory 

These small aquatic fish are utilized, from the embryo till the adult stages, in multiple disciplines. Due to their spawning frequency, fast developmental time, and translucent bodies during early life stages, they are ideal organisms to work with to answer questions regarding developmental biology, epigenetics and studying mechanisms of disease.

The equipment and resources available in the zebrafish facility includes a state-of-the-art, flow through aquarium system that offers individual tanks to rear and spawn adult zebrafish and offers the ability to work with transgenic zebrafish lines. A stereoscope with a temperature controlled heatblock, a high-definition color camera capable of taking images and videos, including fluorescence, and computer capable of processing large video files is available for use. A microinjector is attached to the stereoscope that allows molecular manipulation in embryonic zebrafish (microRNA and morpholino injections) and chemical dosing to simulate maternal transfer. A temperature controlled and photoperiod adjustable incubator is available when working with early life stages.   The zebrafish lab can be used by bachelor students working with a faculty member at UiS, current master and Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars. 

Contact persons: Daniela Maria Pampanin and Federico Fenaroli