New Methods for the Analysis of Ribonucleic Acids

该研究项目由分析和表面化学计划、生物研究仪器计划和MPS多学科活动办公室支持，旨在开发新的和改进的方法，用于鉴定和定量复杂混合物中存在的单个核糖核酸（rna）。在所有活细胞中，许多类型的rna都参与关键的细胞功能。在所有已知的活细胞内的生物有机分子中，RNA分子是唯一储存遗传信息并起催化剂作用的分子。在这项研究的过程中，Limbach博士和他在辛辛那提大学的团队将开发新的策略来敏感、准确和快速地表征rna；来自若干模型系统的trna的适当签名产品数据库；rna相对定量和绝对定量的新策略；以及对核糖核酸酶消化的基本认识。这些将为RNA研究人员提供有利的进展，并可转化为核酸分析的相关领域（例如，外源修饰）。该项目将通过容易地识别和量化复杂的RNA混合物，“弥合”RNA基因组数据和RNA功能研究之间的差距。此外，它将为研究人员提供额外的工具来检查转录和翻译过程，补充现有的基因组和蛋白质组学策略。学生将在生物质谱的关键领域接受教育和培训。林巴赫博士将努力扩大少数族裔从事科学研究的人数，特别是质谱研究，并将为年轻女孩制定一个对等指导计划，鼓励她们参与数学和科学。

ABSTRACTCHE-0602413Limbach/University of CincinnatiThis research project, supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, the Instruments for Biological Research Program, and the MPS Office of Multidisciplinary Activities, seeks to develop new and improved methods for the identification and quantification of individual ribonucleic acids (RNAs) present within complex mixtures. Many types of RNAs are involved in key cellular functions in all living cells. Among all known bio-organic molecules within living cells, RNA molecules are the only ones that store genetic information and act as catalysts. In the course of this research, Dr. Limbach and his group at the University of Cincinnati will develop new strategies for the sensitive, accurate, and rapid characterization of RNAs; a database of appropriate signature products for tRNAs from several model systems; new strategies for the relative and absolute quantification of RNAs; and fundamental insights into RNase digestion. These will provide enabling advances for RNA researchers and can be translated to related areas of nucleic acid analysis (e.g., xenobiotic modifications). The project will "bridge the gap" between RNA genomic data and RNA functional studies by readily identifying and quantifying complex mixtures of RNAs. Moreover, it will provide researchers with additional tools that can examine transcription and translation processes, complementing existing genomic and proteomic strategies. Students will be educated and trained in key areas of biological mass spectrometry. Dr. Limbach will strive to expand the number of underrepresented minorities engaged in science in general, and mass spectrometry in particular, and will develop a peer-to-peer mentoring program for young girls to encourage their participation in math and science.