MRI: Acquisition of a Beckman XL-I Analytical Ultracentrifuge

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the acquisition of an ultracentrifuge for proteome characterization that combines scanning UV-absorption and Rayleigh interference optical systems, for a university that currently has no analytical ultracentrifuge. The six investigators have research programs involving a variety of biomolecular characterizations such as protein-protein complexes, protein-lipid, protein-DNA/RNA and protein oligomeric structures. Analytical ultracentrifugation will be used in the different projects to address key mechanistic and regulatory questions concerning the aforementioned interactions. One novel aspect of the proposed studies is the use of analytical ultracentrifugation to examine how changes in redox state influence protein oligomeric behavior, protein-DNA binding, and protein-lipid associations. In addition to advancing individual research projects, the ultracentrifuge system will improve the research infrastructure and educational training for students. The ultracentrifuge will benefit the biochemistry laboratory curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the summer undergraduate researchers.