Mission Statement
The Cytogenetics unit of the University of Colorado Cancer Center (UCCC) Molecular Pathology Shared Resource provides access and expertise to classical and molecular technologies. Services offered range from karyotypic characterization of specimens by classical and molecular methods to development of reagents, performance and analyses of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays.
This shared resource also works on projects aiming to identify and validate diagnostic, prognostic and predictive markers for sensitivity and resistance to targeted therapies in solid tumors. The molecular markers are defined, standardized and transferred to clinical laboratories.
Consulting services for experimental design and data interpretation, assistance in preparation of experimental design sections for grant proposals and manuscripts, preparation of documents for regulatory agencies and specialized training for non-assisted lab use are other types of services provided.
The laboratory follows Good Laboratory Practices guidelines. Instruments are calibrated and certified periodically, and quality control checks are performed daily, weekly or monthly as necessary
How to use this service lab:
Arrangements for regular users are made by email or by phone, directly with the unit director -Dr. Marileila Varella-Garcia (303-724-3147) or the lead scientist for technical operations - Dr. Jamie Sheren (303-724-3148). For new users, as well as for projects with different goals for regular users and consultation on strategies to address scientific questions, face-to-face meetings with the unit leadership are highly recommended.
Specimens can be directly delivered by a lab member from the user laboratory or shipped via common methods. Studies involving human tissues require appropriate IRB approval or exemption.
Turnaround time (TAT) is highly dependent on the specimen or project. Short projects are accepted and performed on a first-come, first-served basis. Large projects must be discussed and scheduled with the lab leadership in order to optimize the TAT.
Use of instrumentation is available by appointment only and SR technologists have priority during their work period.