Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The 2-dimensional imaging of biomolecules (i.e., DNA, RNA and protein) is a fundamental part of modern day molecular biology, biochemistry and chemistry, as a paper is seldom published in these fields that do not include data generated from the analysis of gels or membranes. Recent technological advances have markedly improved the resolution, sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities of these imagers, allowing for better quality and quantification of the data they acquire. Currently, the imaging resources available within the Faculty of Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU) are severely outdated and quickly reaching the end of their lifespan. Our gel documentation system has limited functionality (chemiluminescence detection only), and our only available biomolecular imager has recently suffered a permanent blue laser failure that has reduce our already limited (no near-infrared detection) spectral range. Together, this means that the research groups (80 students from 25 labs) in our Faculty have insufficient multiplexing capabilities to satisfy increasingly rigorous scientific standards. This problem is exacerbated by a chronic oversubscription of users (85 hours per month), making the acquisition of additional instrumentation a pressing concern for training HQP and future research planning. This NSERC-RTI is requesting funds to modernize our imaging capabilities and provide instrumentation with sufficient spectral range (ultraviolet, white light, fluorescent, and near-infrared) to satisfy our existing and future research demands. We propose that these needs can be met by purchasing a single multi-functional biomolecular imaging system (GE Healthcare - Typhoon 5). The flexibility provided by the Typhoon 5 imager is ideal for the diverse NSERC-funded research activities carried out at SFU. As the lead applicant, enhanced 2D imaging is critical for the Audas lab to map the expression, conformation, and sites-of-association for the proteins and functional RNAs that regulate a natural pathway of protein aggregation in mammalian cells. The 9 co-applicants, from four different departments (Drs. D. Clarke, J. Christians, L. Craig, S. Gorski, D. Sen, M. Silverman, B. Sun, P. Unrau, E. Verheyen), will apply this new equipment to their unique research programs ranging from generating novel fluorescent RNA markers and DNA enzymes, to assessing gene expression profiles and uncovering protein-associations critical to development and cancer progression. Beyond the listed applicants, this resource will be open to all SFU users and the enhanced data acquisition capabilities will significantly improve the quality of disseminated knowledge and the training of HQP in the Faculty of Science at SFU.