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

The Rho-family of proteins plays crucial regulatory roles in biology by controlling the size, shape and movements of a large number of living cells. Inappropriate activity of this family of proteins is known to lead to human diseases and they play a fundamental role in cell biology. Although we have a good understanding of some simple functions of these proteins, some things we do not know are (i) how are they regulated, (ii) once they are switched on, what other proteins do they bind and (iii) how are these other proteins affected to carry out their biological functions. We propose to investigate these fundamental issues in cell biology by using C.elegans as a model organism. The ""worm"" has proven to be very useful for developmental and genetic studies because it is easy to grow, it is small enough for characterization of every individual cell in the organism (@1000 total cells) and we can manipulate it by safely adding modified genes. To properly analyze these animals down to the details of the individual cell, we need to create transgenic nematodes. Therefore, this equipment grant is requesting funds for a inverted microscope capable of phase contrast and has a microinjection platform. Accessory equipment to this microscope include a joystick for micromanipulation of the injection needle, a pump capable of injections of microlitres of solution and a glass pipette puller, to make the injection needles. This grant will allow us create new transgenic C.elegans strains that will be used by us to study the cellular and biochemical function of the genes and proteins in a biological context and will enable us to carry out our NSERC funded research project.