Basic Science Methods for Clinical Researchers

Basic Science Methods for Clinical Researchers addresses the specific challenges faced by clinicians without a conventional science background. The aim of the book is to introduce the reader to core experimental methods commonly used to answer questions in basic science research and to outline their relative strengths and limitations in generating conclusive data.

This book will be a vital companion for clinicians undertaking laboratory-based science. It will support clinicians in the pursuit of their academic interests and in making an original contribution to their chosen field. In doing so, it will facilitate the development of tomorrow’s clinician scientists and future leaders in discovery science.

Serves as a helpful guide for clinical researchers who lack a conventional science backgroundOrganized around research themes pertaining to key biological molecules, from genes, to proteins, cells, and model organismsFeatures protocols, techniques for troubleshooting common problems, and an explanation of the advantages and limitations of a technique in generating conclusive dataAppendices provide resources for practical research methodology, including legal frameworks for using stem cells and animals in the laboratory, ethical considerations, and good laboratory practice (GLP)

1. The Polymerase Chain Reaction: PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR 2. Methods of Cloning 3. Whole-Mount In Situ Hybridization and a Genotyping Method on Single Xenopus Embryos 4. Microarrays: An Introduction and Guide to Their Use 5. Analysis of Human Genetic Variations Using DNA Sequencing 6. Western Blot 7. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: The Application of ELISA in Clinical Research 8. Immunofluorescence 9. Cell Culture: Growing Cells as Model Systems In Vitro 10. Flow Cytometry 11. Transfection 12. In Vivo Animal Modeling: Drosophila 13. Zebrafish as a Research Organism: Danio rerio in Biomedical Research 14. Xenopus as a Model Organism for Biomedical Research 15. Basic Mouse Methods for Clinician Researchers: Harnessing the Mouse for Biomedical Research