Refrigerated Centrifuge for Small Volume Applications

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The instrument requested in this application will be used for the centrifugation, under controlled temperature, of small samples (1.5 ml or less) containing DNA, RNA and protein. This is a routine but essential procedure for the applicant, his students and others working in the Department of Biology who will have access to the centrifuge. Gene expression and protein synthesis during diapause, a physiological state of dormancy and enhanced stress tolerance, will be studied in embryos of the crustacean, Artemia franciscana. The DNA, RNA and proteins prepared from Artemia are used in several functional assays. Protein structure/function relationships and the contribution of molecular chaperones, which protect and fold other proteins, to cell survival during dormancy are important components of the work. The refrigerated centrifuge will therefore be used to make fundamental contributions to cell, molecular and developmental biology. In addition, there are many applications for the research. Examination of diapause may reveal how insects resist stress, this of importance in agriculture and forestry where the impact of these organisms as pests is exacerbated by their ability to enter diapause and survive harsh environmental conditions. A greater understanding of diapause will enhance the use of Artemia as feed in aquaculture. Stress-induced augmentation of the molecular chaperone HSP70 in Artemia larvae increases their resistance to infection by bacteria, an observation with potential importance in the development of new procedures for the control of disease in commercially important aquatic invertebrate species. The role of HSP27, a small heat shock protein, in breast cancer cell metastasis will be studied. Clearly there is potential to make discoveries which have direct consequences to commerce and health through use of a refrigerated microcentrifuge. The equipment will also facilitate experiments addressing basic questions which are the cornerstone of research programs supported by NSERC. Funding this modest proposal will put the applicant at a definite advantage in the effective use of grant funds and the ability to conduct modern experiments in several biological disciplines.