2D gels
Jim.Bloom.B@bayer.com
Thu, 14 Jan 1999 16:44:57 -0500
We are attempting to get on the ol' proteomics band wagon (wonder if the
wagon can support the weight)...anyway we have a vexing problem...the problem
involves cutting spots out of 2D gels, mincing them into wee tiny pieces and
transferring the wee tiny pieces into the PCR-tubes with wee tiny holes in the
bottom that are used in the ABIMED DigestPro robot (whee, high tech!). Anyway
what has been worked out is to put the wee gel piece on a ceramic tile and then
using a fresh razor blade (a new one for each slice...Gillette stock just went
up ten points) mince the slice into "the smaller the better" pieces, one then
"scoops up" the mush and gets it somehow into the PCR -tube (note here that the
tube has holes in the bottom, so one cannot add the slice to the tube and mooch
it with a pestle like implement). So, what is the problem you ask? While
cutting into wee tiny pieces, the pieces: 1.) fly all over, 2.) stick to
the razor blade...in addition, the human doing the cutting goes blind, gets a
big headache and contaminates the sample with hair and saliva (from muttering
disgustedly). Any ideas?? (PS. yes my graduate school mentor was from
Scotland)
Weather inconsequential: last time around I very diplomatically pointed out
how nice the weather is out here compared to places like, say Omaha...it was
pointed out to me (also very diplomatically) that at least those individuals
located in Omaha don't have any gopher/mole problems at the present time...my
gopher/moles must be pansies because they have left my backyard alone for
awhile (gone south for the winter?).
Jim Bloom
Bayer Corp
Berkeley, CA