Biomarkers Core

The Biomarkers Core Facility, under the direction of Dr. Virginia Byers Kraus, MD, PhD and managed by Janet L Huebner, MS, is part of the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (DMPI) located in the Carmichael Building in downtown Durham, NC.  This Core was established in 2010 and has over 20 years of experience assisting investigators with the design and implementation of molecular and protein assays, in a variety of matrices from both humans and animals, to evaluate biomarkers of disease. 

Our laboratory specializes in the analysis of joint tissue metabolites and the use of biomarkers as a tool to phenotype patient populations.  These include, but are not limited to, biomarkers of cartilage and bone metabolism.  We maintain a strong interest in advancing the qualification of biomarkers for clinical use and welcome any inquiries concerning potential collaborations to further this aim.

The number of potential protein biomarkers that can be assessed is too exhaustive to list, but the Biomarkers Core Facility can provide analyses for any commercially available immunoassay.

• Multiplex ELISA Assays: MesoScale Discovery (MSD) MULTI-ARRAY® technology brings together electrochemiluminescence detection and patterned array microwell plates. Combined, these two technologies provide sensitive, multiplexed immunoassay measurements of simple and complex sample matrices in 96-well and 384-well plate formats. MSD assays combine high reliability, high sensitivity and broad dynamic range, minimizing the need for repeat analyses due to out of range values making this system both cost and time effective.  This platform includes 500+ analytes https://www.mesoscale.com/en/products_and_services/assay_kits/search_by_analyte that can be combined in easy-to-build personalized multiplex assays to meet individual needs.
• Single plex ELISA Assays: Quantification of any biomarker of interest using direct, competitive, or sandwich ELISAs can be performed.
• Chemical Assays
• Sample Design/Management Consultation