Renovation of Research Space in Molecular and Cellular Physiology

在过去的几十年里，对原核和真核细胞系统的研究为调控基因表达的基本机制提供了重要的见解。关于特定基因如何调节整个动物的生理功能，我们所知甚少。最近，研究分子和细胞生物学领域的研究人员见证了令人兴奋的新技术的发展，这些技术可以在完整的动物中操纵哺乳动物的基因组。辛辛那提大学在转基因和基因靶向小鼠的开发和实验使用方面被公认为全国领先。这些动物为研究表达基因对器官系统功能的生理意义提供了独特的模型。发展实验方法和技术来确定基因操纵动物的功能表型和研究生理性能是机构和国家的主要需求。来自国家科学基金会的资金，以及来自该机构和俄亥俄州的资源，将用于翻新位于分子和细胞生理学系医学科学大楼的现有研究空间。翻新将包括：升级电气，管道，暖通空调系统，重新配置空间，安装长凳，通风柜和其他固定设备。本系在膜生物物理学、分子内分泌学、信号转导、基因调控、神经生理学、肌肉能量学与代谢、膜转运、心血管/肺生理学等方面具有优势。此次翻新将通过提供现代化的教师研究实验室、分子生物学核心设施、转基因生理学核心设施和共享研究支持设施来加强这些项目。这个空间的现代化将大大增加该部门在招募具有分子生理学研究专长的新教师方面的努力，并吸引对使用分子生物学方法研究器官系统生理学感兴趣的优秀研究生。这个项目将提高本系在大学和全国范围内对生物学研究的影响。

During the past several decades work on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems have provided significant insights on basic mechanisms that regulate the expression of the gene. Little is known about how specific genes regulate physiological function in the whole animal. Recently, investigators studying in the area of Molecular and Cellular Biology have witnessed the development of exciting new technologies that allow manipulation of the mammalian genome in the intact animal. The University of Cincinnati is recognized as a national leader in the development and experimental use of transgenic and gene targeted mice. These animals provide unique models for studying the physiological significance of expressed genes on organ systems function. The development of experimental approaches and techniques to determine the functional phenotype and study the physiological performance in gene manipulated animals is a primary institutional and national need. Funding from the National Science Foundation, in addition to resources from the institution and the State of Ohio, will be used to renovate existing research space located in the Medical Science Building for the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology. Renovations will consist of: upgrading electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, reconfiguring space, and installing benches, fume hoods, and other fixed equipment. The Department has strong programs in membrane biophysics, molecular endocrinology, signal transduction, gene regulation, neurophysiology, muscle energetics and metabolism, membrane transport, and cardiovascular/pulmonary physiology. The renovations will strengthen these programs by providing modern faculty research laboratories, a molecular biology core facility, a transgenic physiology core facility, and shared research support facilities. Modernization of this space will significantly augment the Department's efforts in recruiting new faculty with research expertise in molecular physiology, and attract outstanding graduate students interested in using molecular biological approaches to study organ system physiology. This project will enhance the ability of the Department to have an impact on biology-oriented research at the University and in the nation.