Gradient themocycler for molecular research on fish neuropeptides

要求拨款购买一台梯度热循环仪，以取代一台坏了无法修理的旧仪器。对于沃尔科夫博士来说，一个梯度热循环器对于维持鱼类食物摄入调节的生理和内分泌机制的成功研究项目至关重要。该研究项目产生的数据将为管理和促进鱼类的生长和繁殖提供新的方法。此外，从长远来看，基于鱼类和高等脊椎动物之间在调节途径上的强烈相似性，我们的研究结果将有助于建立脊椎动物摄食内分泌调节的基本模型。本研究的第一步和不可避免的一步是通过分子克隆来表征鱼的大脑食欲调节因子，这是一个基于核酸扩增的过程，使用热循环器。如果不能及时获得这一重要的研究设备，毫无疑问将会出现数据生成、研究生和本科生论文工作所需的培训以及出版物方面的延误。

Funds are requested to purchase a gradient thermocycler that will replace an old instrument which broke down and is beyond repair. A gradient thermocycler is absolutely crucial to Dr. Volkoff for the maintenance of a successful research program on the physiological and endocrine mechanisms regulating food intake in fish. Data generated by this research program will provide new approaches to manage and enhance growth and reproduction in fish. In addition, in the long term, based on the strong similarities in the regulatory pathways between fish and higher vertebrates, our results will contribute to the establishment of a fundamental model of the endocrine regulation of feeding in vertebrates. The first and inescapable step in this research consists of the characterization of brain appetite-regulating factors in fish by molecular cloning, a process based on nucleic acid amplification using a thermocycler. Without timely access to this important research equipment, delays in data generation, in training required for both graduate and undergraduate theses work and in publications will undoubtedly occur.