Microarray pins MicroSpot 2500 microarray spotting pins, available from BioRobotics (Cambridge,
UK and Boston, MA), allow users to print microarrays faster and with less
waste of valuable DNA. The stainless steel pins have a quill design with a
fluid reservoir, which means that it is possible to dispense in excess of
80 spots onto coated glass slides from a single visit to the source microplate.
MicroSpot 2500 pins can be used with a range of microarraying robots, including
the MicroGrid and Total Array System from BioRobotics, as well as home-built
systems. http://www.biorobotics.com RIN:
1218
Microdispenser accessory The Hydra-PP from Robbins Scientific (Sunnyvale, CA) is a microdispenser
equipped with an automated X-Y plate positioning system and automated syringe
washing function. The plate positioning system is composed of a microscope
stage that moves source and target plates under the dispensing head. With
a positioning accuracy of five m, the system can accurately and reproducibly
position and dispense into all microplates, including deep well, 384 and 1536
well plates. The Hydra-PP can also be integrated with other robotic plate
handling systems. http://www.robsci.com
RIN: 1219
RNA purification From Qiagen (Venlo, The Netherlands), the RNeasy 96 BioRobot Kit on the
BioRobot 9604 provides reliable automated isolation of highest-quality RNA,
ideal for high-throughput drug screening, research, and diagnostics. Ready-to-run
protocols enable automated processing of up to 96 samples in only 75 minutes.
Purification steps are streamlined and alcohol precipitation eliminated, resulting
in reproducible, high yields of RNA. http://www.qiagen.com
RIN: 1220
DNA extraction Tecan's (Hombrechtikon, Switzerland) Robotic Sample Processors (RSPs) can
be customized with a magnetic bead separation option to simplify DNA purification.
Pipetting and washing can be automated using by the robotic liquid-handling
arm, and after purification, DNA can be separated from the DNA-bead complex
with releasing agent. If a higher temperature is needed, there is an available
optional heating unit. As with all Tecan platforms, the RSP's modular configuration
allows the addition of plate washers, incubators, and microplate readers. http://www.tecan.com RIN: 1221
Antibodies Coactivator & corepressor Abs Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect the steroid receptor−associated
proteins that enhance or depress gene transcription are now available from
Affinity BioReagents (Golden, CO). These antibodies to SMRT, SRC-1, AIB1 (RAC3),
RIP140, CBP, and p300 interact and alter the transcriptional activity of nuclear
hormone receptors such as retinoic acid receptors and thyroid hormone receptors.
They are useful in Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunocytochemistry
protocols. http://www.bioreagents.com RIN:
1222
Novel marker for apoptosis Promega's (Madison, WI) Anti-PARP p85 Fragment polyclonal antibody is specific
for the 85kDa fragment (p85) of human poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)
resulting from caspase cleavage of the 116 kDa intact molecule. The specificity
for the cleaved form of PARP makes this antibody a novel marker for early
detection of apoptosis. The antibody is designed for use as an immunocytochemical/immunohistochemical
marker for apoptosis in cells and tissues and can be used with standard fixatives
and standard immunohistochemical procedures, providing a convenient and simple
method of monitoring apoptosis in situ. http://www.promega.com RIN: 1223
Immunostaining system The AIM (Antibody Impregnated Membrane) immunostaining system from The
Binding Site (Birmingham, UK) involves the coating of affinity purified antisera
onto specialized paper tabs that are moistened and simply laid on the tissue
section to enable the antibody/antigen reaction to occur. Additional tabs
are used to apply secondary antibody and to detect the complex. The system
provides optimized, reproducible results—reducing reagent validation
and preparation time, reducing waste, and providing standardized incubation
times and easy methodology. http://www.bindingsite.co.uk
RIN: 1224
m, the system can accurately and reproducibly
position and dispense into all microplates, including deep well, 384 and 1536
well plates. The Hydra-PP can also be integrated with other robotic plate
handling systems. 
