David J Beech: Research Lab

Lab environment and techniques

Environment

Our research group moved into state-of-the-art integrated laboratories in 2005, along with other principal investigators including Lin-Hua Jiang, Jon Lippiat and Asipu Sivaprasadarao.  The space provides modern write-up and laboratory areas, along with access to a wide range of expertise and facilities.

The lab has once- or twice-weekly lab meetings to discuss data, planning, techniques and journal club articles. With other research groups we hold weekly journal clubs generally on ion channels. Again with other research groups we hold Annual Two-Day Research Retreats in the Lake District.  Most lab members attend at least one major research conference per year.

Research techniques

Electrophysiology including whole-cell, single channel and automated planar patch-clamp (http://www.nanion.de/content/products/npc16/patchliner.php)
Calcium imaging and 96/384-well Flexstation (http://www.moleculardevices.com/pages/instruments/flexstation.html)
PCR methods including real-time quantitative RT-PCR (http://www.roche-applied-science.com/lightcycler-online/)
Digital and confocal imaging (GFP, immunofluorescence)
TIRF microscopy (with Nikita Gamper)
Biochemistry, recombinant DNA technology
Cell assays (secretion, proliferation, injury, migration, tube-formation)
Antibody generation and use
Transfection of mammalian cells with cDNA and siRNA
Cell and organ culture
Video-scanning and wire myography