Head of Lab: Dr. Sigal Ben-Zaken
Technician: Roi Mor
General Background
The Genetics and Molecular Biology Lab at the Zinman College, established in 2006, focuses on two main areas: research and service.
Areas of Research
The aim of the studies is to characterize and determine genetic variances between different populations.
Leading Research Studies
- The effect of hereditary factors on the achievement potential of elite athletes
- The effect of hereditary factors on specialization and achievements among elite swimmers
- Rhabdomiolysis caused by physical effort and its dependence on the nature of the effort and genetic tendencies
- The effect of hereditary factors on congestive heart failure
- The effect of hereditary factors on clinical and laboratory measures after a rehabilitation program for congestive heart failure patients
- Hereditary variance and motor coordination
- Hereditary variance, physical activity and diabetes
- Hereditary variance, cognitive abilities and physical activity
Services
The Laboratory provides genetic testing services for outside companies at the RNA and DNA level, including RNA expression level and protein tests, from gathering blood samples and extracting the DNA, to storing samples, conducting tests and processing the data.
Methods of molecular research in the lab
Producing nucleic acids: DNA and RNA
Real-time PCR, PCR and RFLP applications
Quantification of various proteins using the Elisa method
Equipment and apparatus in the lab
The lab is equipped with new analytical apparatus that includes:
4 PCRBIORAD PTC-200 instruments for duplicating DNA segments
Real Time 7300 PCR System for quantifying genetic expression
Elisa instrument for reading protein
2 storage refrigerators -80 0C
4 storage refrigerators -20 0C
4 storage refrigerators 4 0C
3 Beckman Coulter Allegra X12R centrifuges
ESCO SPD 41A chemical fume hood
Imagemaster VDS FT1-500 gel photocopier
Reflotron spring – Roch
Imagemaster VDS gel bioimaging machine
Satorius CP224S scale
DNA Plus – USA Scientific DNA electrophoresis machine