About Us
Purpose
This facility is designed to aid researchers in large-scale protein production. Expertise will be available to help design and optimize protein production protocols. Molecular reagents for efficient screening and purification of fusion proteins are available for researchers to use. The core will maintain and train users in the operation of state of the art protein purification equipment. A focus on the interaction of investigators with a common interest in metal biology will be strongly encouraged. Laboratory staff provide will guidance in the design of expression and purification experiments and work closely with each investigator to optimize success in generating recombinant protein sufficient for all needs. The Laboratory is also available for hands-on teaching of protein expression techniques.
Equipment
The core will provide shakers, incubators, cell disruption equipment, centrifuges, anaerobic chamber and column systems for protein purification. The core will maintain and upgrade the equipment as necessary to provide for the needs of all users. All laboratories will be required to repair and or replace any equipment damaged by negligence or misuse.
Molecular Biology Reagents
Expression platform (yeast, E. coli, other cell types as needed), backbone vectors for each system, expression strains for each platform. Additional systems can be accommodated as needed.
Services
Assistance in media preparation, expression platform decisions. Consultation for optimization of expression and purification of protein. Training will be required for all equipment. A web based information page will be posted, the site will include: standard protocols for the cloning and expression of proteins; what reagents are available from the core, equipment available for use with general instructions; procedures for sign-up and use of equipment; concentration and dialysis procedures. The core will maintain back-up stocks of plasmids and strains for expression studies.
Advisory Committee
An advisory committee composed of Dennis Winge Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Hematology Division; Chris Hill Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, Jerry Kaplan Ph.D., Professor of Pathology will meet regularly. Their role is to assure that the protein needs of Center of Excellence in Molecular Hematology members are being met.
Time Line
In the first year equipment will be purchased and set up. The space for the facility will be available beginning in Jan. 2006. Technical support will be hired.
Use of equipment and services by non-CEMH laboratories will be permitted if available, however, a charge back system will be in place for regular maintenance to cover consumables.
