MRI: Acquisition of an RT-PCR System for Research in Cell Biology, Physiology, Protein Biochemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry and Anthropology at New Paltz College

该主要研究仪器奖资助了实时PCR热循环仪系统的收购。该设备主要由用于聚合酶链反应（PCR）的传统热循环器和荧光检测系统组成。该系统的一个常见应用被称为实时PCR (RT-PCR)，因为荧光可以在样品进行PCR扩增时进行监测。将使用RT-PCR系统的实验包括依赖于核酸PCR扩增的传统分子细胞生物学分析，以及不基于PCR的蛋白质生物化学和超分子合成化学中相对较新的应用。RT-PCR系统将通过定量基因表达水平来更好地了解酵母的细胞分裂；探讨昆虫取食过程中不同胰岛素样蛋白的基因表达模式；实验记录x射线辐照对考古样品的影响；开发一种用于鉴定新型核激素受体配体的检测方法，并促进筛选一系列设计用于荧光分子传感器的新型化学物质。本提案中描述的所有项目都将在本科生的帮助下进行。使用新型热循环器进行的研究结果将通过摘要和同行评审出版物以及学生和教师在专业会议上的积极参与广泛传播。

This Major Research Instrumentation award funds the acquisition of a Real Time PCR thermocycler system. This piece of equipment essentially consists of a conventional thermal cycler used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a fluorescence detection system. A common application for this system is called Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) because fluorescence can be monitored as samples undergo PCR amplification. The experiments that will use the RT-PCR system include the conventional Molecular Cell Biology assays that rely on PCR amplification of nucleic acids, as well as relatively novel applications in protein biochemistry and supramolecular synthetic chemistry that are not PCR-based. The RT-PCR system will be used to better understand cell division in yeast by quantifying gene expression levels; explore gene expression patterns of different insulin-like proteins involved in insect feeding; experimentally document the effect of X-irradiation on archaeological samples; develop an assay to be used to identify novel nuclear hormone receptor ligands, and facilitate screening of a range of novel chemicals designed to serve as fluorescent molecular sensors. All of the projects described in this proposal will be conducted with the assistance of undergraduate students. Results from the studies conducted with the new thermocycler will be broadly disseminated through abstracts and peer reviewed publications, as well as by active participation of students and faculty at professional meetings.