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

Funds are requested for a refrigerated incubator-shaker and a refrigerated centrifuge, common equipment used for cell culture, cell harvesting and to overproduce and purify recombinant proteins. The refrigerated incubator will be used to culture bacterial cells and to overproduce recombinant protein at low temperature, which can lead to higher yields of correctly folded, soluble protein for characterization. The refrigerated centrifuge, used to harvest cells and to separate soluble proteins from insoluble debris in cell homogenates, will replace centrifuge that is no longer functional on a regular basis. Such equipment is among the most widely used in modern biochemistry laboratories, and is not only a vital part of our research but also an integral component for training highly qualified personnel. The equipment will be used to study the evolution of biosynthetic pathways for plant extracellular matrices (Suh) and characterize the response of microbes to external stimuli (Dahms). The knowledge generated from Suh's research should prove useful in manipulating unnatural biopolymers, possibly leading to novel applications in agriculture (crop/forest control), biotechhnology (biodegradable polymer) and medicine (drug carrier). Dahms' research has considerable potential to yield benefits to the environment and human health by determining the physiological effects to cells in response to persistent low-level pesticide exposure, antifungal drugs and metals. Studying the effects on human cells, pathogens and pathogen-host interactions will ultimately shed light on microbial virulence, disease susceptibility and progression.