Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Understanding genetic variation in wild populations is a fundamental question for biologists. With the recent advances in molecular technology involving gene expression, biologists are now poised to make significant discovery into the evolution and function of genes in natural populations. The current proposal requests funds for equipment to support RNA analyses that will enable the co-applicants to harness state-of-the-art molecular technology and expand their research into the rapidly growing field of ecological and evolutionary functional genomics. This field is a multidisciplinary area of research that draws on the expertise and technology of molecular biology and genetics, and focuses on the genes that affect ecological success and evolutionary fitness in populations living in their natural environment. At the root of the discipline is the use of genomic tools including microarray and qRT-PCR analysis of gene transcription. These tools can now be used to track gene expression in real time in organisms living in their natural environment. This application of the techniques is a significant advancement because individual phenotypes are determined by the interaction of genes and the environment. Thus, to understand the function of genes, they must be studied in a natural environment. The requested equipment comprises an ultra-cold freezer for storage of temperature-sensitive tissues and RNA, a shaking incubator, refrigerated centrifuge and spectrophotometer for isolation, purification and quantification of RNA samples, and two PCR thermocyclers for amplification of genomic DNA. The equipment will support genomic research into fungal ecology and systematics, molecular and behavioural ecology of fishes, and behavioural genetics of insects. It will be implemented in a shared molecular facility that is dedicated to research and training in molecular studies of biodiversity, ecology and environmental science. The facility has a strong track record of training highly qualified personnel at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels. Thus, the equipment will be used to conduct leading-edge research and to train personnel in advanced molecular techniques as they are applied to research in ecology and environmental science.