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

Accurate quantification of small amounts of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) is crucial for gene expression evaluation using real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and starting with wrong concentrations may strongly compromise the results of downstream applications which are often labor-intensive, time-consuming and highly expensive. Nucleic acid quantification cannot be performed by traditional spectrophotometry when the amounts of samples are limited. Small volume spectrophotometers enable highly accurate analyses of extremely small samples with high reproducibility. A small volume spectrophotometer will enable Drs. Volkoff and Marshall to maintain successful research programs within the Department of Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Both researchers have been using qPCR increasingly since the acquisition of a real time PCR system, through a NSERC RTI grant in 2007. Dr. Volkoff uses qPCR to examine the effects of physiological or environmental factors parameters on food intake and on the gene transcript levels of appetite-related hormones in fish. Dr. Marshall uses genomic qPCR to examine the genetic basis of inherited diseases in wild foxes. Both research programs could have an important impact on the proper management of fish and mammalian species within the province of Newfoundland. The requested equipment will allow to increase the efficiency and the quality of Dr. Volkoff's and Dr. Marshall's research programs and help train highly qualified students. As the equipment will be located in a common facility within the Biology Department, a number of molecular biologists from different disciplines as well as students will also benefit from this equipment.