Biochemical & Molecular Endpoints
The Biochemical and Molecular support laboratory provides high quality endpoint analysis and research support for both federal and commercial clients. Molecular biology, cell biology, molecular genetics and molecular pathology techniques are used to help elucidate the mechanisms of disease or treatment related conditions through basic and applied research investigations.
Molecular Biology Analyses
Nucleic Acid Purification and Analysis
- Isolation of RNA or DNA from Animal Tissues, Blood, Cell Cultures, and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue
- Assess Purity and Integrity of RNA Using the Agilent Bioanalyzer
Gene Expression Analysis
- Quantitative Real-Time PCR
- Applied Biosystems Microfluidic Arrays
- In Situ Hybridization
- Northern blot
Genetic Analyses
- Sequencing, Genotyping
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)
- Single Stand Conformational Polymorphism (SSCP)
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)
- Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH)
- Microsatellites
- Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
- Southern blot
Mutation Assay
- CII Mutation Assay Using Big Blue™ Transgenic Mice
Cell culture and In Vitro Assays
- Primary cell isolation
- Organ slice technology
- Primary culture and continuous culture of rodent and human cells
- Cell Viability & Proliferation Assays
- Cytotoxicity, Inflammation, & Apoptosis Assays
- Cell Transfection & Reporter Gene Assays
- Xenobiotic Absorption & Transport Assays
- In Vitro Metabolism (primary hepatocytes, liver slice culture, microsomes, S9)
Lead Scientist
Cheryl Hobbs, Ph.D.
Phone: 919 281-1110 Ext. 811
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dr. Hobbs oversees the conduct of genetic toxicity testing according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and regulatory guidelines. Prior to joining ILS, Dr. Hobbs was concurrently an Assistant Investigator in the Hematology/Oncology – Oncology Section at Lankenau Hospital in suburban Philadelphia and a Scientist at the affiliated Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, where she previously did her postdoctoral training. Before obtaining her doctorate, she worked as a molecular biologist in support of drug discovery programs at Sterling Winthrop, Inc. and cancer research at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Hobbs has over 30 years of diverse experience with cellular, molecular, and biochemical procedures. Her scientific expertise includes the control of gene expression and altered epigenetic regulation of chromatin during disease processes. She has been a member of several professional organizations, including the Environmental Mutagen Society and the American Association for Cancer Research, and has received research awards from federal, state and private funding agencies. Dr. Hobbs attained her M.S. and Ph.D.in Bioscience and Biotechnology from Drexel University and her B.A. in Biological Sciences and Computer Science from the University of Delaware.