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

Research in the Storey lab at Carleton University explores the biochemical adaptations that allow animals to endure environmental extremes. We explore amazing natural phenomena including hibernation, freeze tolerance, cold hardiness, estivation and anoxia tolerance; in particular, our research on the biochemistry of winter survival by Canadian animals is making unique discoveries that are world-leading. All of these phenomena are linked by their use of torpor or dormancy to provide life extension under harsh conditions and we have identified multiple mechanisms that coordinate entry into hypometabolic states, reprioritize metabolic energy use, and preserve/stabilize cells and macromolecules to provide long term viability during dormancy. This research not only identifies key principles and methods of metabolic regulation that underlie environmental stress adaptation across the animal kingdom but it has important applications in biomedicine because methods for inducible hypometabolism could greatly improve procedures for storage of human tissues and organs removed for transplantation. The work of all researchers in my lab relies heavily on methods of gel electrophoresis for separation of proteins and DNA followed by the use of gel documentation instrumentation for image acquisition and data quantification. All lab members (typically 15-20 researchers) use gel documentation to analyze gene up-regulation, transcription factor activation, protein expression, enzyme purity, or protein/enzyme phosphorylation states. The entire lab relied on one gel documentation system and this aging machine was not only experiencing recurring expensive breakdowns but the technology had become a rate-limiting bottleneck in the lab because it was needed on a daily basis by most researchers. Then disaster struck in July 2008 with the catastrophic failure of the camera unit which halted all research and is still not repaired as of October 2008. Our lab presently relies on a "loaner" piece of equipment. The current application seeks to purchase the G:Box Chemi XT16 gel imaging system (Syngene Corp) to replace our current machine and provide state-of-the-art, high resolution gel imaging and quantification to support all of our research goals.