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

The infrastructure requested here are a Perkin Elmer Cyclone Plus PhosphorImager and computer system, film cassette, and phosphor screens required for its functionality. This instrument and accessories will allow three research groups specializing in biochemistry and molecular biology at UNBC to use a variety of molecular techniques to better understand the biochemical functions of proteins and ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in biological systems. The requested instrument will replace our current 13-year-old equipment and will be housed in open-space laboratories in the Northern Health Sciences Centre. In addition to use by our three major research groups, the equipment will be available for use by researchers at UNBC.Our diverse research programs encompass understanding the enzymology of mRNA decay in mammalian and archaeal systems, pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms, and discovering small molecules with therapeutic values. Acquisition of the requested instrument will allow us to continue our scientific contribution to each of our respective research fields. Our combined research groups, comprising of 23 students and postdoctoral fellows, employ molecular techniques which involve the use of 32P-radiolabeled nucleic acids. Such procedures, performed on a daily basis in our three labs, require the use of the requested instrument. In addition, the requested equipment will provide us with the opportunity to develop new molecular techniques. Furthermore, it will help us maintain our excellent track record and to continue to train students in state-of-the-art molecular techniques in rural northern BC.