High-speed centrifuge for multi-user molecular core facility

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We propose to purchase a high volume high-speed centrifuge (Sorvall RC-6 Plus Superspeed) for the multi-user molecular core facility in our Department of Cell and Systems Biology. Molecular analysis aimed towards an understanding of gene and protein function in cell and tissue development is a major activity in our seven laboratories. Isolation of biological macromolecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) is an essential part of our research. The proposed centrifuge is required to harvest bacteria, to isolate DNA, RNA, and proteins at medium to large scale, and for fractionation of eukaryotic cells. The proposed instrument is urgently needed to replace the two centrifuges in our molecular core facility that both broke down (one in 2007, the other one in 2008). They were heavily used over the past 20 years by more than 15 research groups. Both centrifuges had to be decommissioned. This means that more than 15 research groups department, which do molecular biology, have currently no access to a centrifuge in our research building (Ramsay Wright Building) and have to take their samples to another building on campus for centrifugation. This causes substantial delays and impairs research quality, which is unacceptable. The proposed centrifuge will be in high demand as the seven laboratories combined train 20 graduate students, 5 postdocs, 6 technicians, and 19 undergraduate students. The centrifuge will also be available to other members of our Department. This instrument is critical to sustain high research productivity and quality. Research supported by the instrument will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell and tissue development, and associated abnormalities that result in diseases, including cancer, sterility, blindness, and deafness.