Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL)
Our Mission
The Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL) supports the research mission of WRNMMC. We help physicians, nurses, scientist, therapists, students, and other staff find answers to clinical questions. We provide assistance in lab research protocol development and assistance generating data. The laboratory serves as a central facility for conducting basic studies and providing scientific and technical expertise, state-of-the-art instrumentation, education and training, and laboratory space for clinical staff and research investigators throughout the military medical community in the National Capitol Region.
Immunology
Our Immunology laboratories provide support for a wide spectrum of studies that require immunology techniques and instruments. We have flow cytometers, FACS Instruments, a Luminex multiplex protein array system, and microplate readers for routine immunoassays. Our Immunology laboratory performs both standard and advanced immunoassays including immune cell isolation, activation, proliferation and apoptosis, cytotoxicity assays and multicolor analysis of intracellular and cell surface markers.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Our Molecular Biology laboratories are equipped to analyze DNA and RNA, measure gene expression, perform raditional or real-time PCR, or perform cell Zeiss confocal microscope cell imaging. We routinely perform cell culture in one of the three rooms. Support for genetic analysis such as DNA sequencing, SNP detection, and microarray studies may become available in the near future.
Biochemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry studies are supported with a wide array of analytical and preparative technologies. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are available for measurement of drugs and metabolites and identification of proteins. Our labs are equipped with both MALDI-TOF/TOF and LCMS-IT-TOF, as well as inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometers (GC-MS). Proteomics studies are undertaken using LCMS or 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Protein purification is facilitated by traditional biochemical equipment and an AKTA Avant FPLC. Protein binding studies can be performed on our Fluorolog-3 fluorescence spectrophotometer.