Renovation of Wistar Structural Biology Macromolecular Interactions Complex

Wistar研究所成立于1892年，是美国历史最悠久的独立机构，致力于生物学研究和培训。 该研究所位于宾夕法尼亚大学附近，在保持其作为一个独立的，非营利的基础研究组织的地位的同时，与大学开展了合作互动。 38个实验室设在该设施，包括研究实验室的结构生物学计划，成立于1991年。 该计划的一个重要目标是开发和应用技术和方法论方法，以研究生物大分子在组织的每一个层次，从原子细节使用X射线晶体学和NMR光谱复杂的大分子组装。 该设施的现有条件使指定用于完成这项工作的实验室的空间和专门设备无法得到最佳利用。 问题包括：空调系统的主要缺陷，包括冷却不足、湿度和温度波动; 2）冷藏室空间不可靠; 3）布局和空间设计不佳;以及4）管道不适当，定期淹没实验室，损坏设备。 ARI计划将提供资金，以弥补结构生物学计划的大分子相互作用复合物专用空间的不足。具体而言，四个实验室将合并在连续的空间，可以设计用于结构功能和生化研究以及所需的仪器。翻新后的空间将促进与研究人员和学生的互动，并将支持进行现代分子生物学研究所需的先进技术。该项目还补充了大分子结构设施的改造，该项目部分由ARI计划资助。

The Wistar Institute, founded in 1892, is the oldest independent institution in the United States devoted to biological research and training. Located in close proximity to the University of Pennsylvania, the Institute has developed collaborative interactions with the university while maintaining its status as an independent, nonprofit, basic research organization. Thirty-eight laboratories are housed in the facility, including research laboratories for the Structural Biology Program, established in 1991. An important aim of the Program is to develop and apply technologies and methodological approaches to investigate biological macromolecules at every level of organization, ranging from atomic detail using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy to complex macromolecule assemblies. Existing conditions of the facility prevent the optimal usage of space and specialized equipment contained in laboratories designated to accomplish this work. Problems include: major deficiencies in the air condition system, including inadequate cooling, dehumidification, and temperature fluctuations; 2) unreliable cold room space; 3) poor layout and space design, and 4) inadequate plumbing that periodically floods the lab damaging equipment. The ARI Program will provide funds to rectify deficiencies of space dedicated for the Macromolecular Interaction Complex of the Structural Biology Program. Specifically, four laboratories will be consolidated in contiguous space that can be designed for structure-function and biochemical studies and for required instrumentation. The renovated space will facilitate interactions with investigators and students, and will support advanced technologies needed to conduct modern molecular biology research. This project also complements the renovation of the Macromolecular Structure Facility, a project that was partially funded by the ARI Program.