Research conducted at the Genetics Laboratory is related to broadly understood microbiology and biotechnology approached at molecular level. There are three main areas of research carried out at the Genetics Laboratory:
- studies on human microbiome (responsible: Prof. PULS dr hab. Marcin Schmidt),
- mechanisms of action, synthesis and use of bacteriocins (responsible: dr hab. Agnieszka Olejnik Schmidt),
- biotechnology and biology of yeast systems (responsible: Prof. PULS dr hab. Ewelina Celińska).
The Genetics Laboratory is equipped in a wide range of instrumentation enabling experimental works covering a wide spectrum of techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering and biotechnology. Starting from the basic devices for culturing of microorganisms in static and dynamic conditions, such as a series of shaking incubators (Biosan), an incubator with controlled atmosphere composition (Anoxomat Mart; Advanced Instruments) dedicated for cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms, Heracell 150 animal cell line incubator (Thermo Scirentific) with the LaminAir HVR2448 (Heraeus) sterile cabinet, through devices enabling isolation and purification of nucleic acids and other biomolecules from microbial cells (archaea, bacteria, yeast, mold or algae), plant and animal tissues, food and environmental samples ( e.g. soil, sediment, water) and complex biocoenoses (e.g. faecal microbiome), as well as cfDNA (circulating free DNA).
The lab has experience in the isolation and analysis of biomolecules using classical methods and commercial kits (adsorption and ion exchange columns). To assist managing a large number of samples in standardized conditions, MagMAX Express Magnetic Particle Processor (Applied Biosystems) automatic isolation apparatus can be exploited. MixerMill MM-400 (Retsch) mixing mill enables isolation of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, fats, etc.) from mechanically resistant cells (including spores) and complex materials (e.g. bone tissue, seeds). Preparation of the biomolecule sample solutions for further analysis is enabled by concentrating the solutions using miVac vacuum (GeneVac). Nucleic acid analysis is supported by: small volume UV-VIS spectrophotometer NanoDrop ND-1000 (NanoDrop Technologies), thermal cyclers: Veriti Thermal Cycler (Applied Biosystems) and Tgradient Thermocycler (Biometra), as well as a thermal cycler with real-time product quatitation – 7500 Real- Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems) together with a UV-decontaminated chamber for preparation of the reactions (UVC / TM-AR; Biosan). For the analysis of population heterogeneity, as well as detection of polymorphisms and mutations, the TGGE Maxi System (Biometra) temperature gradient electrophoresis set or Lab-On-A-Chip capillary electrophoresis – Bioanalyzer 2100 (Agilent) can be used; the latter analyzer is specifically dedicated to a library quality assessment prior to NGS sequencing or for determination of RNA samples integrity. Differentiation of microbial strains based on their genome structure is enabled by the CHEF-DR III Variable Angle System (Bio-Rad) for electrophoresis of high-molecular DNA fragments (PFGE).
Advanced proteomic analyses are enabled by the 2DE protein electrophoresis systems: Protean IEF cell, Protean II XL cell, Mini-Protean Tetracell (Bio-Rad). Protein detection and analysis is supported by the iBlot Dry Blotting System (Invitrogen), fast SNAP immunodetection I.D. Protein Detection System (Millipore) and microplate reader Anthos ht2 (Anthos). The GenePulser Xcell Electroporation System (Bio-Rad) assists transformation of DNA constructions into microbial, animal and plant cells. Digital image archiving of electrophoretic separations, gel tests and blots can be performed using the Gel Doc EZ (Bio-Rad) system or GS-800 Calibrated Densitometer (Bio-Rad), and the analysis of the results is carried out using electrophoretic separation analysis software: QuantityOne 1- D Analysis and PDQuest 2-D Analysis (Bio-Rad).