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

This machine performs a well-known high-precision technique commonly called ""Isothermal Titration Calorimetry"" or ""ITC"". It is important for many different biochemistry research programs, so this application is supported by six SFU labs in total using NSERC operating funding, with several other SFU labs expressing strong interest. The instrument will be maintained by SFU's Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Dept. and made available to any interested investigators at SFU. ITC assesses the binding interaction between two molecules. Typically the binding partners to be studied are a receptor protein or enzyme partnered with a small-molecule drug compound or another protein molecule. Specific examples studied by applicants include: - antibiotics for fighting bacteria (M. Paetzel, F. Brinkman) - small molecules that activate molecular-switch proteins during muscle contraction or electrical signaling (G. Tibbits, E. Young) - complexes of multiple protein molecules critical for cell physiology (D. Baillie, L. Craig) ITC is emerging as a gold standard technique in the pharmaceutical industry, and in basic research labs devoted to understanding how to design drugs. ITC resembles some other techniques in measuring the standard ""equilibrium constant"" for binding. However ITC surpasses many other methods because it directly measures properties with direct interpretations in terms of molecules' structural properties, including enthalpy (for chemical bonds) and entropy (for molecular flexibility). In short, ITC tells us not only the efficiency of binding, but also the physical cause of that efficiency. This is essential if we are to improve drugs by enhancing the right features for efficient binding. Thus ITC technology is essential for SFU biochemistry research efforts and will contribute significantly to the welfare of Canadians.