Thermal cycler for the detection and manipulation of ion channel genes

在这项设备拨款中，我申请购买一个热循环器来检测和操纵来自交感神经元的离子通道基因。该设备用于辅助离子通道亚基基因的定点诱变、扩增、检测和删除。我的实验室目前的研究重点是了解神经元的功能，这是由离子通道的活性和功能直接决定的。我将使用所要求的设备来研究离子通道是如何工作的，以及它们在应力条件下是如何调制的。氧化应激等条件会改变离子通道蛋白的结构，从而影响其功能。该设备将帮助我们研究血清素能3型受体（5HT3R）在生理条件和氧化应激下的功能。在未来，我的研究计划将扩展到不同细胞模型和表达系统中的其他离子通道，这使得该设备的获得对我未来多年的研究计划非常重要。这些设备也可以（也将）被我部门内外的同事使用。此外，这个特殊的系统已经改进了最先进的组件，使其极其准确和可靠的DNA工作。该设备将辅助生理学系和神经系统与可塑性研究小组的研究生和培训生，对培养高素质人才具有很大的优势。

In this equipment grant I am requesting funds for the purchase of a thermal cycler to detect and manipulate genes for ion channels from sympathetic neurons. This equipment is required to assist in the site-directed mutagenesis, amplification, detection and deletion of genes for ion channel subunits. Current research in my laboratory focuses on understanding neuronal function, which is directly determined by the activity and function of ion channels. I will use the requested equipment to investigate how ion channels work and how they are modulated during stress conditions. Conditions such as those generated by oxidative stress can alter the structure of ion channel proteins, and therefore, affect their function. This equipment will assist our research on how serotoninergic type 3 receptor (5HT3R) function during physiological conditions and during oxidative stress. In the future, my research program will extend to other ion channels in diverse cellular models and expression systems, making the acquirement of this equipment highly important for my research program for many years to come. The equipment can (and will) also be used by colleagues both inside and outside of my department. Furthermore, this particular system has been improved with state-of-the-art components that make it extremely accurate and reliable for DNA work. This equipment will assist graduate students and trainees at the Department of Physiology and at the Neural Systems & Plasticity Research Group, being of great advantage to the training of highly qualified personnel.