Analytical platform for genes and gene regulatory modules

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Changes in "gene activity" (gene expression) that affect the way cells function can be seen as changes in the amount and/or activity of proteins that the genes code for. Cells use some proteins for structure, storage or binding, and some proteins (enzymes) for carrying out biochemical reactions (enzyme activities). The amount of protein/ enzyme activity in the cell reflects the expression status of its gene in the cell. A biochemical test detects changes in the characteristics of the test liquid relative to the amount or activity of proteins/ enzymes in the sample being tested. A microplate reader is used for this purpose. The microplate allows many tests to be done at the same time, and the microplate reader measures the changes in characteristics in the test liquid. Today tests are available for many proteins and enzymes. Older versions of the reader can measure changes in characteristics of the test liquid based on absorption of visible and UV light; modern versions can detect changes in more characteristics (e.g., based on luminescence or fluorescence) in minute amounts of test liquids. Some of the methods used to understand how gene expression is regulated take advantage of the fact that purified DNA (what genes are made of) can be manipulated and reintroduced into cells. A new method has been worked out for efficient introduction of DNA into cells, especially "primary cells" (which are more like the cells in the body, unlike the cancer cells that are widely used by many laboratories today). We are proposing a resource that dramatically improves the efficiency of the way we put genes back into cells AND analyze how the genes respond to specific metabolic states or how they influence the metabolic function of the recipient cells, which helps us to understand better how gene activity is controlled and what genes do in cells. The resource is made up of two instruments: one allows efficient transfer of DNA into cells (especially primary cells), the other allows versatile and sensitive measurements of the activities coded for by genes. This resource will significantly enhance and extend the capabilities of 6 laboratories that have independent and collaborative research programs as well as train individuals who will become tomorrow's professionals.