Acquisition of a CE-MS-TOF system for quantification of steroids, miRNAs and metabolites

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This funding request is for the acquisition of a capillary electrophoresis system coupled to a Time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CE-MS-TOF) for the analysis and quantification of steroids, miRNAs and metabolites. This instrument is at the cutting edge of technology and is essential for the achievement of different research projects by NSERC funded researchers étienne Hébert Chatelain, Simon Lamarre, Luc J. Martin and Pier Jr. Morin. Dr Lamarre’s research program focuses on the effects of various stress on protein metabolism and growth in ectothermic animals. His research aims to characterize the effects of the stress hormone cortisol on protein metabolism in fish. He also has an important collaboration with Dr Morin to evaluate the effects of stress and fasting on the expression of miRNAs in Salmonidae. One of Dr Morin’s research interests aims to better understand how metabolic processes are regulated in small hibernating mammals and to identify non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs) involved in the fine control of metabolism during hibernation. Dr Hébert Chatelain is working on different themes aiming to better understand the importance of mitochondrial phosphoproteome and associated kinases in the maintenance of homeostasis under normal and pathophysiological conditions such as metabolic stress, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondria are also hosts of critical steps regulating steroids hormones synthesis, thus having influences on different aspects of metabolism. Dr Martin’s laboratory is working on research themes related to the regulation of testicular cell-to-cell junctions and the influence of adipose derived hormones on testosterone production. Thus, all the applicants have specific needs regarding metabolics assays, as well as steroids hormones and non-coding RNAs identification and quantification. The applicants’ research programs tackle important questions highly relevant to better understanding the metabolic adaptations underlying stress, cancer development and obesity. The acquisition of the CE-MS-TOF will enable them to meet their needs in identification and quantification of bioactive molecules from a wide range of biological samples. This system interface is known for its great stability, excellent reproducibility, as well as impressive sensitivity (being able to characterize a detailed metabolic profile from nanoliter samples). This equipment will be unique at Université de Moncton and in the eastern Canada. This system is an exclusive Agilent platform for metabolites, miRNAs and hormonal analyses. Use of the requested CE-MS-TOF in research activities of the applicants will greatly improve quality and productivity, leading to increased funding and collaborations with several research groups whose interests range from cancer research, endocrinology, developmental biology, reproduction, toxicology, ecophysiology and aquaculture.