Real-Time PCR to Study Metal-Regulated Gene Expression

在我们多伦多大学化学系的实验室里，我们正在研究来自细胞内金属稳态途径的蛋白质，重点是镍。 特别是，我们感兴趣的是转录的金属响应调节，以及这些基本的但可能有害的金属是如何被纳入酶活性位点，而不会造成细胞损伤。 这方面的知识在设计针对病原微生物独特金属需求的抗菌剂中有应用。 其他医疗用途包括预防和治疗因接触有毒金属而引起的疾病，如癌症，以及与金属稳态有关的疾病。 此外，有毒重金属在环境中的日益扩散，为将植物和微生物用作生物传感器和生物修复提供了动力。

In our lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto we are studying proteins from intracellular metal homeostasis pathways, with a focus on nickel. In particular, we are interested in the metal-responsive regulation of transcription and how these essential yet potentially harmful metals are incorporated into enzyme active sites without causing cellular damage. This knowledge has applications in the design of antibacterial agents that target the unique metal requirements of pathogenic microorganisms. Other medical uses include the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by exposure to toxic metals, such as cancer, as well as diseases related to metal homeostasis. Furthermore, the increasing spread of toxic heavy metals in the environment provides an incentive to engineer plants and microorganisms to be used as biosensors and in bioremediation.