System for lyophilization of proteins and metabolites

我们正在通过研究酶、抗冻蛋白和渗透/渗透调节系统来确定蛋白质的序列和结构如何影响蛋白质的功能。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烃污染物或合成对环境商业纯药物。它还将有助于设计针对引起结核病的细菌的胆固醇分解代谢的新型抗菌剂。细菌渗透和渗透调节的研究（Wood lab，由NSERC和CIHR资助）帮助我们了解良性和致病的大肠杆菌如何在不同的环境中生存，同时也揭示了人类、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忍受恶劣的气候，而另一些则不能，重点是它们复杂的结构/功能关系。在这些研究中，我们纯化了蛋白质、酶的底物和细菌代谢物，这些物质可能起到保护细胞免受渗透应激的作用。在酶分析和结构研究中使用蛋白质、底物和化合物之前，需要冷冻干燥系统浓缩蛋白质、底物和化合物。该系统适用于溶解在低共熔体溶剂（如乙腈）或腐蚀性化学品（如酸和氨）中的样品。这个系统对我们的研究项目至关重要，并将成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.