Molecular Biology and Protein Core

Tissue samples can be submitted to the Molecular Biology and Protein Core for determination of mRNA and protein levels for sex steroid receptors including the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta. Determination of sex steroid receptor levels in intact, castrated and hormone replaced male and female animal models will facilitate investigations in sex based biology. Sex steroid hormone receptor mRNA levels will be determined by Northern analysis using receptor subtype specific RNA probes or by real-time PCR when tissue samples are limited or when the most accurate quantitation of mRNA levels is needed; protein levels are quantitated by Western analysis using well characterized sex steroid receptor antibodies. Cell and tissue localization of steroid receptor mRNA and protein expression will be performed in the Histology and Microscopy Core.