Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank

Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB) is a crucial resource in the field of developmental biology and related scientific fields. Established through the collaborative efforts of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the University of Iowa, the DSHB has been instrumental in providing high-quality, affordable monoclonal antibodies to the research community worldwide. Its mission is to advance research in developmental biology, cell biology, and other related areas by distributing these essential research tools.

History

The Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank was founded in the early 1980s as a response to the growing need for readily accessible monoclonal antibodies for research purposes. Recognizing the potential impact on developmental biology and other fields, the NICHD partnered with the University of Iowa to establish a centralized repository. This initiative aimed to support the scientific community by ensuring the availability of monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial for identifying and studying specific proteins, cells, and tissues in complex biological systems.

Function and Importance

The primary function of the DSHB is to produce, store, and distribute monoclonal antibodies that target a wide range of antigens. These antibodies are generated through hybridoma technology, which involves fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells from immunized mice. The resulting hybrid cells, or hybridomas, can be cultured to produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies from the DSHB are used in various research applications, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. By providing these critical tools, the DSHB supports advancements in understanding developmental processes, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.

Access and Distribution

Researchers worldwide can access the DSHB's collection of monoclonal antibodies. The bank operates on a cost-recovery basis, ensuring that antibodies are provided at minimal expense to the research community. This approach facilitates the widespread use of high-quality monoclonal antibodies in scientific investigations, regardless of the researchers' institutional affiliations or funding levels.

Contributions to Science

The DSHB has contributed significantly to the field of developmental biology and beyond. Antibodies from the DSHB have been instrumental in numerous scientific discoveries and have facilitated advancements in understanding the molecular underpinnings of development, disease, and cell function. The bank's commitment to quality and accessibility has made it an invaluable resource for researchers around the globe.

Future Directions

As research in developmental biology and related fields continues to evolve, the DSHB is committed to expanding its collection of monoclonal antibodies to meet the changing needs of the scientific community. This includes developing antibodies against novel targets and improving distribution methods to enhance accessibility for researchers worldwide.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Hybridoma technology
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunofluorescence
• Western blot
• Flow cytometry

External Links

• Official website of the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank