Monday, December 30, 2024
12/30/2024
Administrative Supplement to Purchase Infrared Imager Abstract My R35 funded research program is focused on RNA structure, uncovering its hidden role in regulating gene expression beyond simply being a message from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. I am interested in post- transcriptional regulation, where subtle structural changes in RNA significantly influence its fate – how it's translated, spliced, and even degraded. We have made significant progress in understanding and predicting RNA structure’s effect on protein expression, and we are now involved heavily in validating these predictions. These experiments most-often involve measuring protein expression by western blot. Since we are particularly interested in subtle differences in protein expression for multiple targets high sensitivity and throughput are particularly important. We are therefore requesting funds to purchase a High-sensitivity near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence instrument, specifically the Li-Cor DLx. The Li-Cor DLx excels at detecting faint NIR signals emitted by various biological probes, enabling sensitive visualization and quantification of target molecules like proteins. It has rapid scanning capabilities that will significantly increase sample processing efficiency, combined with accurate and robust digital imaging that ensures data consistency and facilitates image analysis. As a result, funding this administrative supplement has the potential to significantly accelerate our ability to validate RNA structures regulating protein expression while maintaining high levels of rigor and reproducibly in our research. Housed in the Genome Sciences Building, this instrument will be a workhorse for the Laederach group while also serving as a vital resource for researchers across NIGMS-supported programs who call the building home or work in closely related fields.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).