CIRCULAR DICHROISM SPECTROPOLARIMETER

在由美国国立卫生研究院支持的十个核心项目中，圆二色谱(CD)旋光法为蛋白质构象的动态方面、伴随着多肽-膜相互作用和插入的构象转变、核酸-蛋白质相互作用以及与其蛋白质或核酸靶标结合的药物分子的活性构象的研究提供了一个独特的窗口。我们寻求获得一台最先进的CD光谱偏振仪来支持和加强这些研究计划。该仪器将取代陈旧的修复仪器，它只有模拟(海图纸)输出，没有编程或分析能力，是由国立卫生研究院支持的该大学7个系和4个司的研究人员的唯一CD资源，他们有广泛的、明显的需求以及CD方面的经验。向现代仪器的过渡将提供数字数据采集和计算机控制的实验管理，这不仅将减少对操作员持续干预的需要，从而提高生产率，而且还将使现有仪器无法实现的实验方法成为可能。光谱的重复扫描和数字平均、精确和可编程的温度控制、动力学研究的停流以及变性/复性研究的自动滴定仪，这些能力将极大地增强现有的NIH支持的项目。

In ten NIH-supported core projects conducted by the seven co- investigators of this proposal, Circular Dichroism (CD) spectropolarimetry provides a unique window into dynamic aspects of protein conformation, conformational transitions accompanying peptide- membrane interaction and insertion, nucleic acid-protein interaction, and investigations of the active conformation of drug molecules bound to their protein or nucleic acid targets. We seek to acquire a state-of- the-art CD spectropolarimeter to support and enhance these research programs. This instrument would replace an obsolete reconditioned instrument having only analog (chart paper) output and no programming or analysis capabilities, and which represents the sole CD resource for NIH-supported investigators in 7 departments and 4 divisions of this University who have extensive, demonstrable need, as well as experience with CD. The transition to modern instrumentation, which would provide digital data acquisition and computer-controlled experiment management, will not only enhance productivity by reducing the need for constant operator intervention, but also will make possible experimental approaches that are not feasible with the existing instrument. Repetitive scanning and digital averaging of spectra, accurate and programmable temperature control, stopped flow for kinetic studies, and an automated titrator for denaturation/refolding studies represent capabilities that will enhance greatly the existing NIH-supported projects.