System for lyophilization of proteins and metabolites

我们正在通过研究酶、抗冻蛋白和渗透感觉/渗透调节系统来确定蛋白质序列和结构是如何影响蛋白质功能的。对涉及芳香烃降解的酶的研究(SEAH实验室，由NSERC资助)可能会促进生物催化剂的设计，以修复芳香族污染物或合成纯净的药物。它还将促进针对导致结核病的细菌的胆固醇分解代谢的新抗菌素的设计。细菌渗透感应和渗透调节的研究(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相似的压力下生存。对低温和干旱胁迫蛋白的研究(由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，重点放在它们复杂的结构/功能关系上。在这些研究中，我们提纯蛋白质、酶的底物和细菌代谢物，它们可能起到保护细胞免受渗透胁迫的作用。在用于酶分析和结构研究之前，需要使用冷冻干燥器系统来浓缩蛋白质、底物和化合物。该系统适用于溶解在乙腈等低共沸物溶剂或酸、氨等腐蚀性化学物质中的样品。这个系统对我们的研究项目是必不可少的，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.