Opportunity: Light Cycler 480 Instrument II

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued. A major objective in the Laboratory of Oral Connective Tissue Biology is the study of factors regulating the development and maintenance of the periodontal complex. In pursuit of this objective, murine models and in vitro cell cultures are used in our laboratory. Accordingly, experiments are designed and conducted to evaluate gene and protein expression in animals and cells in which the periodontal complex is perturbed. These experiments include verification of gene expression (or lack of expression) of specific markers and assessment of gene expression levels of potential downstream targets. In order to acquire data from these experiments, an instrument is required to amplify and quantify DNA targets. This step is critical toward interpretation and communication of experimental results. The objective of this acquisition is to obtain an instrument for real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), allowing for the real time monitoring of DNA amplification, thus providing key information on gene expression. Broadly, quantification of DNA targets is essential toward identifying key pathways and determining function of genes and proteins. The LightCycler® 480 is a reputable instrument with demonstrated accuracy and consistency in real time quantification.