System for lyophilization of proteins and metabolites

我们正在通过研究酶、抗冻蛋白和渗透感应/渗透调节系统来确定蛋白质序列和结构如何影响蛋白质功能。对参与芳香烃降解的酶的研究（Seah 实验室，由 NSERC 资助）可能有助于设计生物催化剂来修复芳香污染物或合成对映体纯的药物。 它还将促进针对引起结核病的细菌的胆固醇分解代谢的新型抗菌药物的设计。 细菌渗透感应和渗透调节的研究（Wood 实验室，由 NSERC 和 CIHR 资助）帮助我们了解良性和致病大肠杆菌如何在不同的环境中生存，同时也揭示人类、动物和植物细胞如何在类似的压力下生存。 对寒冷和干旱胁迫蛋白的研究（Graether 实验室，NSERC 资助）将帮助我们理解为什么一些植物能够耐受恶劣的气候，而另一些植物则不能，重点关注它们复杂的结构/功能关系。 在这些研究中，我们纯化了可能有助于保护细胞免受渗透压影响的蛋白质、酶底物和细菌代谢物。 在用于酶测定和结构研究之前，需要使用冷冻干燥机系统来浓缩蛋白质、底物和化合物。 该系统适用于溶解在低共熔溶剂（例如乙腈）或腐蚀性化学品（例如酸和氨）中的样品。 该系统对于我们的研究项目至关重要，并将作为我们系和大学的独特资源。

We are determining how protein sequence and structure influence protein functions by studying enzymes, antifreeze proteins and osmosensing/osmoregulation systems. Studies of enzymes involved in aromatic hydrocarbon degradation (Seah lab, funded by NSERC) may facilitate the design of biocatalysts to remediate aromatic pollutants or to synthesize enanatiomercially pure pharmaceuticals. It will also facilitate the design of new antimicrobials targeting cholesterol catabolism by the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Studies of bacterial osmosensing and osmoregulation (Wood lab, funded by NSERC and CIHR) help us to understand how benign and disease-causing Escherichia coli survive exposure to diverse environments while also revealing how human, animal and plant cells survive similar stresses. Studies of cold- and drought-stress proteins (Graether lab, NSERC funded) will help us to understand why some plants are able to tolerate harsh climates while others cannot, with a focus on their complex structure/function relationships. For these studies, we purify proteins, enzymes' substrates and bacterial metabolites that may act to protect cells from osmotic stress. A freeze drier system is requested to concentrate the proteins, substrates and compounds prior to their use in enzyme assays and for structural studies. The system is suitable for samples dissolved in low eutetic solvents, such as acetonitrile or corrosive chemicals, such as acids and ammonia. This system is essential for our research programs and will serve as a unique resource in our Department and University.