Real-time PCR instrument

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One of the most powerful tools to study gene expression developed in recent years is that of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technology allows a precise quantification of minute amounts of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). The requested real-time PCR instrument will be used in the laboratories of five biology professors of the Université de Sherbrooke and allow them to pursue high-level research programs and contribute in an important manner to the training of highly qualified personnel in this state-of-the-art technology. The projects made possible by this equipment will include the following studies: 1) the regulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II locus, which is of crucial importance for the function of the immune system; 2) the study of programmed cell death mechanisms in plants, which are essential for normal plant development and defense against pathogens; 3) the effects on gene regulation of the dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) family of protein kinases, which are involved in the signaling cascades controlling cellular differentiation and programmed cell death; 4) the study of the molecular mechanisms of plant innate imunity, which are essential for the capacity of plants to defend themselves against pathogens; and 5) the study of the role of chromatin for the regulation of ribosomal genes, which are essential to generate the cellular machines (ribosomes) for the synthesis of proteins. The requested equipment will contribute in a decisive manner to our ability to carry out high quality research at an internationally competitive level and to train highly qualified personnel.