Spectrophotometers for multi-user molecular core facility: Quantification of DNA, RNA and protein

我们建议为我们的细胞和系统生物学系的多用户分子核心设施购买两台互补的荧光强度计。旨在了解细胞分化和行为中基因功能的分子分析是我们八个实验室的主要活动。所有参与的研究人员都参与了DNA，RNA和蛋白质水平的分子实验。每天都需要对这些大分子进行定量和纯度控制，以确定分子程序的质量和效率，并计划和进行实验。分光光度计对于这些测试是必不可少的。这两个拟议的仪器是迫切需要取代我们的分子核心设施，这是在过去15年中大量使用的两个旧仪器。其中一个最近坏了，无法修理。另一个是产生不可靠的数据，尽管被服务。第一台仪器（Nanodrop-1000分光光度计）将允许从非常小的样品中准确和非常快速地测量大范围浓度的DNA和RNA。同时，该仪器非常易于使用，并且基本上无需维护，使其成为多用户设施的完美工具。第二台仪器（卡里50 UV/维斯分光光度计）将满足我们对蛋白质浓度精确可靠测量的需求。该仪器由多个模块组成，可在未来进行升级以适应新的应用。建议的温度计将在高需求的8个实验室联合培训11名研究生，7名博士后，6名技术人员，和20多名本科生。我们的部门的其他成员也将获得这些资料。这些工具将提高我们的研究生产力和质量。由这些细胞仪支持的研究将有助于更好地理解细胞分化的分子机制和导致疾病的相关异常。

We propose to purchase two complementary spectrophotometers for the multi-user molecular core facility in our Department of Cell and Systems Biology. Molecular analysis aimed towards an understanding of gene function in cell differentiation and behavior is a major activity in our eight laboratories. All participating researchers are involved in molecular experiments at the levels of DNA, RNA and proteins. Quantification and purity control of these macromolecules are required on a daily basis to determine quality and efficiency of molecular procedures and to plan and conduct experiments. Spectrophotometers are essential for these tests. The two proposed instruments are urgently needed to replace two old instruments in our molecular core facility, which were heavily used over the past 15 years. One of them broke down recently and is beyond repair. The other one is producing unreliable data despite being serviced. The first instrument (Nanodrop-1000 spectrophotometer) will allow accurate and very fast measurements of DNA and RNA over a large range of concentrations from very small samples. At the same time, this instrument is very easy to use and largely maintenance-free, making it the perfect tool for a multi-user facility. The second instrument (Cary 50 UV/Vis spectrophotometer) will accommodate our needs for precise and reliable measurements of protein concentrations. This instrument is built of modules and can be upgraded for novel applications in the future. The proposed spectrophotometers will be in high demand as the eight laboratories combined train 11 graduate students, 7 postdocs, 6 technicians, and more than 20 undergraduate students. They will also be available to other members of our Department. These instruments will enhance our research productivity and quality. Research supported by these spectrophotometers will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation and associated abnormalities that result in disease.