Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System

描述（由申请人提供）：塔夫茨-新英格兰医学中心分子心脏病研究所（MCRI）的研究人员正在研究心血管疾病，目标是确定新的诊断工具和治疗方法，可用于改善心脏病患者的治疗。例如，MCRI的几个项目正在寻找导致家族遗传的心血管疾病（如高血压和先天性心脏病）的异常基因。除此之外，大部分由美国国立卫生研究院资助的MCRI研究人员，以及其他由美国国立卫生研究院资助的位于塔珀研究大楼（Tupper Research Building， MCRI所在地）的研究人员，目前正在检查基因的表达，以了解这些基因变化是如何随着疾病发生的。目前，这些研究在很大程度上依赖于传统的方法，这些方法在精确测量基因表达或提供低通量基因突变分析方面的能力有限。基因和基因表达研究成功的关键是能够重复测量基因表达和基因突变水平的设备，使用少量珍贵的起始材料。对于基因和基因表达的研究，实时荧光定量PCR现在被认为是必不可少的技术。在这个时候，我们依靠个人研究者的实时PCR设备是过时的，没有足够的吞吐量或灵活性，以满足我们的NIH资助的研究日益增长的需求。因此，本提案的目的是获得购买Applied Biosystems 7900HT FAST Real-Time PCR System with Robot所需的支持，该系统可用于基因表达和基因型应用，包括本提案的研究人员所描述的当前nih资助的研究基地。首先，机器机器人的自动样品处理将允许快速有效地分析数千种基因型结果。其次，通过使用该机器的FAST功能，PCR反应时间将更加迅速，每天允许更多的用户。第三，每次研究384个样品的能力将提高吞吐量，同时降低试剂和人工成本。最后，在低密度阵列格式中分析多个基因表达测试的能力将大大提高我们工作的吞吐量和灵活性。参与这项提案的调查人员目前还没有这样一份文书。具有Robot的7900HT实时PCR系统的独特优势，包括FAST和低密度阵列能力，将加快我们实验室的生产力，为本提案中描述的研究人员提供更大的机会进一步研究。与人类疾病的相关性：心脏和血管疾病，包括高血压、中风和心脏病发作，是美国死亡和残疾的主要原因。7900HT FAST Real-Time PCR系统将使MCRI的研究人员能够加快他们对心血管疾病如何在家族中遗传以及基因表达和功能变化如何导致疾病的研究。这些研究的总体目标是寻求心血管疾病和其他疾病的新疗法，以改善健康和挽救生命。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Investigators in the Molecular Cardiology Research Institute (MCRI) at the Tufts-New England Medical Center are studying cardiovascular diseases with the goal of identifying new diagnostic tools and treatments that can be used to improve the treatment of heart disease patients. For example, several projects in the MCRI are seeking to identify abnormal genes that are responsible for cardiovascular diseases that run in families, such as high blood pressure and congenital heart disease. In addition to that work, a large fraction of NIH-funded MCRI Investigators, as well as other NIH-funded Investigators within the Tupper Research Building, wherein the MCRI is housed, currently examine the expression of genes to understand how these genetic changes occur with disease. Currently, these studies rely heavily on traditional methods that have a limited ability to accurately measure gene expression or offer low throughput analysis of gene mutations. Key to the success of gene and gene expression studies is equipment capable of reproducibly measuring levels of gene expression and gene mutations using preciously small amounts of starting material. For both gene and gene expression studies Real-Time PCR is now considered an essential technique. At this time, we are relying on individual investigators' real time PCR equipment that is outdated and without sufficient throughput or flexibility to meet the growing needs of our NIH- funded research. The purpose of this proposal, therefore, is to gain the support needed to purchase an Applied Biosystems 7900HT FAST Real-Time PCR System with Robot that can be used for gene expression and genotype applications that comprise the current NIH-funded research base described by the investigators of this proposal. First, automated sample handling by the machine's robot will allow for the analysis of thousands of genotype results quickly and efficiently. Second, by using the FAST capability of this machine PCR reaction times will be more rapid, allowing a greater number of users each day. Third, the ability to study 384 samples each time will enhance throughput while reducing reagent and labor costs. Finally, the ability to analyze multiple gene expression tests in a low-density array format would substantially enhance the throughput and flexibility of our work. Such an instrument is not currently available to the investigators taking part in this proposal. The unique advantages of the 7900HT Real-Time PCR System with Robot including FAST and low density array capability will accelerate the productivity of our laboratories, allowing greater opportunity to further the research of the investigators described in this proposal. Relevance to Human Disease: Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack, are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. A 7900HT FAST Real-Time PCR System will allow investigators in the MCRI to accelerate their studies into how cardiovascular diseases can run in families and how changes in gene expression and function contribute to disease. The overall goal of these studies is to pursue new treatments for cardiovascular and other ailing diseases that will improve health and save lives.