Monitoring gene function and regulation in physio-pathological processes

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Our DNA contains thousands of genes which produce different molecules called transcripts whose information is in turn translated into proteins. The later molecular entities mediate all of the biochemical reactions in our bodies. Thus, the mutation or abnormal regulation of genes frequently results in malignancies. To acquire novel knowledge on gene function and regulation, one can monitor how genes work using the approach of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is a powerful technology, which permits the exponential amplification of DNA sequences derived from any gene or corresponding transcript from virtually all living organisms; and requires only infinitesimal quantities of biological samples. PCR in conjunction with real time monitoring of DNA amplification using chemical probes that bind double stranded DNA (quantitative PCR, qPCR) allows very precise and extremely reliable determination of DNA quantities. This revolutionary feature of PCR provides the possibility of using and/or developing a wide range of applications in several fields of molecular biology and biomedical sciences. The current grant application brings together a group of NSERC-funded teams for whom, the qPCR is critically required on a daily basis. Therefore the requested equipment is indispensable for the accomplishment of each research program.