Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Detailed studies of purified proteins are key to understanding fundamental biochemical mechanisms, assessing protein-protein interactions, measuring enzyme kinetics and determination of three-dimensional structures that can be used to guide structure-based drug design and synthetic biology. The foundational step in protein purification is the initial separation of organelles and membranes from the protein-containing supernatant, typically done using ultracentrifugation. This application requests funding for an ultracentrifuge, rotors and service agreement that will be installed into the multi-user, centralized Biomolecular Core Facilities (BioCORE) at Western (www.schulich.uwo.ca/biocore). This equipment is urgently needed to replace two 25-year-old ultracentrifuges that are now subject to multiple breakdowns and repairs, and rotors that have either been decommissioned or de-rated for safety reasons. The proposed equipment will support more than 50 NSERC-funded research groups at Western and surrounding institutes in the London region. The ultracentrifuge will be incorporated into the Protein Production and Synthetic Biology facility of the BioCORE, an open-access, one-stop technology hub for molecular and synthetic biology at Western that has been supporting researchers for nearly 25 years. The BioCORE also consists of shared instruments for mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and protein-protein interaction experiments. The BioCORE is professionally managed by three staff scientists who will provide expert training and assistance for HQP of the new ultracentrifuge. The proposed ultracentrifuge and rotors will support and benefit multiple research programs by providing a modern, efficient system for protein purification. It will expedite research on proteins associated with cancer, Parkinson's disease and SARS-CoV2. Further, the centralized location and support staff will enhance the analytical skills for HQP needed in academia, government agencies and biotechnology/chemical industries.