Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>Proteins and nucleic acids (i.e. DNA and RNA) are fundamental biological molecules that perform a range of important functions in cells. The applicants&rsquo; research programs study these biomolecules in a variety of systems, spanning the areas of biochemistry, virology, animal physiology, and human health. Their ongoing research aims to: 1) understand how pathogenic plant viruses replicate and cause disease in plants, 2) determine gene regulation mechanisms in eukaryotic cells, 3) decipher how energy is expended in fat cells, 4) understand the molecular basis of energy utilization in muscle, and 5) investigate how antiviral proteins can be used to defeat viruses. Collectively, the data gathered from these research programs will provide fundamental knowledge that will benefit animal and human health and assist in sustaining our agricultural industry.</p> <p > Very sensitive methods, involving specialized scientific equipment, are required to study proteins and nucleic acids. One effective approach used currently is to label these molecules with either radioisotopes or fluorophores, which then allows for precise detection of the tagged biomolecules. The Biomolecular Imager requested in this application is the piece of scientific equipment required to detect and quantify these labelled biomolecules. The imager does so by measuring the energy emitted from radioisotopes and the light emitted by fluorophores upon excitation. Importantly, this imager is able to detect an assortment of radioisotopes used by our research groups, as well as a wide variety of fluorophores commonly used for protein and nucleic acid detection.</p> <p > The research performed in the laboratories of each of the PIs in this application relies heavily on their ability to accurately monitor proteins and/or nucleic acids. The availability of a sensitive and reliable biomolecular imager is therefore critical for data acquisition and analyses in these research groups. Our scientific studies will provide important new insights into muscle and fat metabolism and the treatment of related metabolic disorders, the role of gene regulation in modulating viral pathogenesis and cancer, and the development of strategies to protect crops from disease. Importantly, this research will be performed by graduate students and other research personnel who will be trained to use the imager and thus gain a valuable technical skill for future careers in academia or industry.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>