The Molecular Biology Core Facility, located in the Obesity Research Center, King Saud University, participates in and contributes to system-wide and regional research by performing various molecular biology techniques applied to health-related research. The facility assist investigators with their acquisition of research results and funding by the introduction and implementation of state-of-the-art techniques to enhance their research capability. The Molecular Biology Facility provides DNA sequencing, fragment analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, Nano-drop spectrophotometer and plate reader. Automated DNA sequencing is performed using capillary-based Applied Biosystems 3130 DNA Analyzers. This instrument offer high throughput and sensitivity with a success rate of over 90%. Quantitative Real-Time PCR is run on an Applied Biosystems 7000. This instrument allows researchers to analyze gene expression, allelic discrimination and SNP analysis in 96 wells. The quantification of DNA, RNA and proteins using only 1 or 2 micro liters without a cuvette is performed on the NanoDrop spectrophotometer. Gel Documentation Systems measure and image fluorescence from gels and membranes.

The molecular biology laboratory has potential for collaboration with researchers from KSU and other neighboring institutes.

The facility can provide researchers with:

• PCR Cloning: PCR cloning of a DNA sequence in to a specific vector.
• Sub-Cloning: Sub-cloning a DNA sequence into a specific vector.
• Site Directed Mutagenesis (substitution, insertion or deletions of any size)
• Tagging: Add tags before or after a gene in a construct.
• Transformation: Transformation of plasmids into bacteria
• Plasmid DNA preparations.