The Central Laboratory of the  Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has announced its joining of the National Network of Strategic Technologies Laboratories. This move aims to expand the range of laboratory services available to academics and researchers.

Dr. Farideh Razavi, the director of the Central Laboratory, highlighted the laboratory's specialized services and research activities, which have been ongoing since 2018. The laboratory, operating under the auspices of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, has been at the forefront of biotechnology research, leveraging the expertise of prominent researchers, professors, and skilled technicians.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Diverse Services

The laboratory, housed in a 500-square-meter facility, is equipped with a wide range of instruments for conducting molecular, cell culture, and other biological experiments. These include real-time PCR machines, nanodrop spectrophotometers, -80°C and -20°C freezers, various centrifuges, and other advanced equipment.

The laboratory offers specialized services in metabolomics, genetics, zebrafish studies, mass spectrometry, and modeling. Researchers can conduct studies in molecular biology, cell culture, metabolomics, genomics, basic research on zebrafish, and protein chemistry.

Core Facility and Specialized Services

A core facility within the laboratory provides equipment for measuring biochemical analytes using advanced autoanalyzers and for conducting basic and routine tests. The laboratory also maintains a quality management system, ensuring regular calibration of equipment.

The laboratory's mass spectrometry facility plays a crucial role in identifying and quantifying substances in biological samples. This technique is essential for analyzing small molecules and metabolites in cells, tissues, or organisms.

The microbiology laboratory focuses on studying the oral and gut microbiome, contributing to a better understanding of non-communicable and infectious diseases and the development of new treatments. The cell culture laboratory, equipped with various cell lines, also offers specialized services.

Educational Programs

The laboratory organizes numerous training courses and workshops in the field of biotechnology, covering topics such as microbiome design and studies, real-time PCR, primer design, and NGS data analysis. These courses are offered in the form of summer schools and workshops.

Conclusion

The Central Laboratory of the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences and Metabolism, as part of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, provides a wide range of biotechnology, cellular, and molecular services to academics, researchers, and technologists. By joining the National Network of Strategic Technologies Laboratories, the laboratory aims to further enhance its capabilities and contribute to scientific advancements in the field.