Replacement quantitative real-time PCR detection system for studies in parasitology, animal physiology and environmental toxicology

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This RTI application is for funds to purchase a new quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) detection system to replace two defective systems within the Collaborative Science Research Building (CSRB) that are no longer capable of performing qPCR analyses. HQP in our research teams use qPCR assays to determine the presence and relative abundance of bacterial species in parasitic arthropods (i.e., by 4 of 5 PhD students supervised by PI Chilton), and the relative expression of genes that regulate the metabolic responses in the liver and gills, and neuro-endocrine signalling in the brain between contaminant-exposed and unexposed fish (i.e., by 3 of 5 PhD students supervised by PI Niyogi). These studies represent vital components of our NSERC-funded research programs on the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the distribution and abundance of ticks and other parasitic arthropods (PI Chilton), and the interactive effects of trace metals in freshwater fish (PI Niyogi). This work is important because climatic change and anthropogenic activities are altering environment conditions which increasingly threaten the health and sustenance of natural fish populations, and the expansion of the geographical ranges of arthropod vectors of pathogenic agents, resulting in an increased risk of animal disease. Given the broad applicability of qPCR across biological disciplines, the HQP of at least six of our colleagues in the CSRB also require access to a qPCR detection system for their studies. Unfortunately, mechanical/electrical problems with the optical modules of the two aging systems in the CSRB, mean that they are currently not usable for quantitative PCR. This problem forced 5 of our PhD students (2 supervised by PI Chilton and 3 supervised by PI Niyogi) to use qPCR detection systems in other buildings. However, this is not a practical or sustainable long-term solution because our students have limited access to this equipment due to the high demand for these systems by HQP within those other research units. This limitation has resulted in significant time delays in the research progress of our students and a major impediment to the advancement of their careers in NSE fields. Acquisition of a replacement qPCR detection system, an essential piece of infrastructure, will greatly advance the research work of graduate students and other HQP (e.g., PDFs, technicians, and undergraduate student trainees) in the research teams of the two PIs. This will also significantly strengthen opportunities to obtain new research funding and enhance the recruitment and quality of training of new students representing a diverse group of individuals who would use qPCR to investigate exciting new and important questions in parasitology, animal physiology, aquatic toxicology and other fields in biology.