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

An ultracentrifuge and three different rotors are requested to support 5 different NSERC-funded research programs which aim : (A) to understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that regulate low temperature tolerance in plants, (B) to identify the cellular signalling mechanisms regulating placental exchanges using cellular and animal models, (C) to determine the molecular factors involved in the regulation of viral gene expression and the development of new vaccinal strategies, (D) to characterize the role of hepatocyte receptors in the selective uptake of esterified cholesterol from lipoproteins, (E) to understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms that regulate auxin signalling in plants. This equipment will also support the program of several other NSERC-funded programs that need to use this equipment more sporadically. An important part of our research depends on the isolation of cell organelles such as the nucleus, chloroplasts, plasma membranes, microsomes, and cytosol for biochemical and molecular analyses. Studies on lipoprotein metabolism require the serial fractionation of lipoprotein classes based on density that requires long high speed centrifugation. Virus particle isolation requires large amounts of raw material and large volumes. There are more than 25 researchers and students involved in these five NSERC programs and the ultracentrifuge is considered an essential piece of equipment for their work. The availability of this equipment has now become a limiting factor for their research since two ultracentrifuges and several rotors have been eliminated from our facilities. If funded, the new ultracentrifuge will be used on a daily basis. It will be centrally located and available to other users in our department as always the case with our publicly funded equipments. The urgent need is demonstrated by the $15,000.00 departmental contribution (letter attached) and the $15,000.00 from the different research teams that need ultracentrifugation.