Quantitative Gene Expression System for State-of-the-Art Biomarker Research and Development at an Undergraduate Institution
Abstract
Development of stress biomarkers, such as stress-responsive genes the activity of which can be altered by anthropogenic disturbance of wildlife, requires purification of intact nucleic acids and accurate quantification of their abundance in biological samples. The pair of companion instruments requested in this proposal ~ Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and ThermoFisher QuantStudio~ 5 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) System ~ will enable sensitive, robust gene expression studies by University of the Pacific (Pacific) faculty and students using state-of-the-art technologies. The Bioanalyzer performs automated microcapillary gel electrophoresis on minute amounts of biological sample and applies a user-independent algorithm to produce quantitative measurement of RNA integrity, a prerequisite for unbiased gene expression assays that require intact RNA. This instrument is also capable of performing quantitative electrophoretic analysis of DNA and proteins, broadening its applications for biological research. The QuantStudio~ 5 Real-Time PCR System conducts highly sensitive gene biomarker measurements on a flexible, multiplex, intuitive, and collaborative platform that is highly amenable to laboratory courses and student research experiences at a small undergraduate institution. Significantly, it is capable of measuring abundance of up to 6 gene targets per reaction, minimizing sample quantity, time, and assay cost requirements. Together, this instrumentation system will facilitate currently funded and proposed DoD research on quantifying cumulative impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on marine wildlife in accordance with Federal regulations and provide essential resources for gene expression studies by University of the Pacific students and faculty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812224
Entities
People
- Jane Khudyakov
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of the Pacific