Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Biomolecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and phosphorylated cellular signaling components can elicit cellular responses at very low concentrations due to their ability to propagate signals. Such low concentrations can make detection of these critical mediators challenging, particularly from complex biological specimens. Low levels of biomolecules, limited amounts of a biological specimen, and the need to do multiple timepoints are inherent challenges in measuring the levels of bioanalytes from biological samples. Ultrasensitive detection of bioanalytes using electrochemiluminescence overcomes low concentrations because the limits of detection for this method far exceed (100X) traditional approaches that have a chromogenic readout (e.g. ELISA). Combining ultrasensitive detection with multiplexing provides a solution by enabling many bioanalytes to be measured in a single small aliquot of a precious sample. Our team of investigators at the University of Alberta have a great need for sensitive measurements. The Macauley lab studies immunomodulatory receptors that bind carbohydrates, with particular interest in immune cells in the brain, called microglia; the Richard lab studies the impact of nutrition on immune homeostasis; the Willing lab studies the role microbes play in intestinal health in livestock species; and the Field lab studies the roles that fats in the postnatal diet play in supporting immune cell development. Making fundamental discoveries in these areas requires precise and sensitive detection of biomolecules, such as: cytokines, chemokines, phosphorylated signaling molecules, antibodies, and metabolites. The only openly available electrochemiluminescence reader on the University of Alberta campus recently reached the end of its usable life and is no longer operational because parts to fix this instrument are not available. This has left many research groups stranded with the inability to carry out these measurements. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a reliable ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence reader housed in a shared space. Having these capabilities is critical for the research programs of our team as well as dozens of other research groups at the University of Alberta. The previous instrument, housed in the Alberta Diabetes Institute molecular core facility, was well used by many groups across campus with an average of over 200 plates run per year. Therefore, we are requesting funds for an ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence instrument for detecting bioanalytes from complex biological samples to accelerate the discovery of mechanisms controlling immune cell function, factors impacting host-microbial interactions, and the mechanisms by which nutrition regulates immune homeostasis and development. In addition to generating experimental data that are critical for our research programs, acquiring an ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence reader will provide valuable learning opportunities for our trainees.