Acquisition of a Fluorescence Imaging System for Research in Biology, Environmental Science and Chemistry at UT Chattanooga

在Margaret Kovach博士的指导下，田纳西大学查塔努加分校获得了一笔赠款，用于购置荧光成像系统，该系统将作为生物与环境科学和化学系的重要研究和教学工具。生物与环境科学系和化学系有一个强烈的宗旨，即让本科生参与研究，自硕士课程成立以来，研究生也参与研究。所要求的仪器是进行分子分析和检测所必需的，可用于广泛的应用，包括基因分型，差异显示，突变检测和法医。该系统还将兼容各种凝胶、膜、微孔板（ELISA）和微阵列技术，用于分析DNA、RNA和蛋白质样品。该仪器将支持基因组学和蛋白质组学、毒理学和生物化学方面的研究项目，这些项目与五个pi的实验室和研究兴趣有关。例如，荧光成像系统将通过基因表达谱的比较分析、微生物种群的比较研究、DNA和蛋白质水平上的毒理学效应研究以及通过化学诱导诱变进行突变检测和分析来支持基因调控研究。该成像系统的获得将允许两个系的学生和教授增加可用于进行研究的实验程序的数量和种类。此外，共享使用荧光成像系统将加强跨学科课程、课程和部门之间的研究。荧光成像系统比任何其他单一设备都更能使联合技术大学发展和维持强有力的研究和教学项目，这些项目采用基因组学和蛋白质组学方法，使当前的分子生物学、微生物学、毒理学和生物化学研究项目受益。

A grant has been awarded to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga under the direction of Dr. Margaret Kovach for the acquisition of a fluorescent imaging system that will be used as an important research and teaching tool for the Departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Chemistry. The Departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Chemistry have a strong tenet for involving undergraduate students in research and, since the inception of the masters program, graduate students as well.The requested instrumentation is necessary for performing molecular analysis and detection and can be used for a wide range of applications including genotyping, differential display, mutation detection, and forensics. The system will also be compatible with a wide variety of gel, membrane, microplate (ELISA) and microarray-based technologies used for analyzing DNA, RNA and protein samples. The research projects in genomics and proteomics, toxicology and biochemistry that will be supported by access to this instrumentation are associated with the laboratories and research interests of the five P.I.s . For example, the fluorescence imaging system will support studies of gene regulation through comparative analyses of gene expression profiles, the comparative study of microbial populations, the study of toxicological effects at the level of DNA and protein, and mutation detection and analysis by chemically induced mutagenesis.The acquisition of this imaging system will allow students and professors from both departments to increase the number and variety of experimental procedures available to conduct research. In addition, shared access to the fluorescent imaging system will enhance interdisciplinary courses, curricula and research between the departments. More than any other single item of equipment, the fluorescence imaging system will allow UTC to develop and sustain vigorous research and teaching programs that employ genomic and proteomic approaches to benefit current research programs in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology and biochemistry.