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The $3.8 million grant from CFI and OIT has provided the funds for extensive laboratory renovations and the purchase of new equipment infrastructure to form the following four integrated research facilities:
A Molecular Biology Facility containing equipment that is essential for the analysis of stress-induced changes in gene expression and protein function in the brain. This facility includes a DNA sequencer, phosphorimager, HPLC as well as high-speed centrifuges required for the preparation of subcellular fractions of the brain. The facility will be equipped with new suites for viral, bacterial and cell culture work for the preparation and expression of nucleic acid probes and genetically modified proteins. The facility also has a four-colour real time PCR for precise measurements of gene expression.
A Cell Biology Facility with equipment required to visualize the response of neurons and glia to stressful stimuli. This facility is composed of a completely new suite of Zeiss microscopes including- a next generation LSM 510 META confocal microscope that enables combinations of fluorescent markers with overlapping emission spectra such as CFP, GFP and YFP to be separated clearly and reliably; an Axioplan 2 digital imaging system for fluorescent microscopy; and imaging work stations for the preceding systems. Also included are a Macroscope, an upgrading of our 1999 Hitachi electron microscope and new suites of tissue sectioning equipment such a cryostat, EM ultracut and vibratomes. This equipment provides a comprehensive facility for microscope technology from the macroscopic level of brain slices to the intracellular level.A fully equipped tissue culture facility with liquid nitrogen storage facilities provides a means for growing neurons and glia in vitro. To experimentally up- or down-regulate gene expression the facility has also acquired an Eppendorf Microinjection system and an Amaxa Nucleofector.
A Neurophysiological Facility to manipulate and record the effects of stress on the nervous system at the level of both the single cell and the intact animal. Included is a new Zeiss Axioskop 2 microscope system (with micromanipulators and fluorescence/IR cameras) for concurrent cellular imaging and electrophysiological techniques such as macro patch and patch clamp. Also included is a multichannel recording system to simultaneously monitor the brain's response to stressful events at multiple sites in awake, unrestrained animals.
A General Support Facility dedicated to the provision of basic services such as ultracold freezers, -20Cº freezers, +4Cº fridges, ultrapure water system, dishwasher and autoclave.
A Field Research Facility dedicated to the neurobiology of stress in natural populations. It will include a laboratory at the Arctic Institute of North America, Kluane Lake Base, Yukon and a mobile field laboratory. The following will be available: a complete electrophysiological suite to examine the effects of stress on site, equipment for collection of sensitive brain tissue, and basic services such as an ultracold freezer, -20Cº freezer, +4Cº fridge, and an ultrapure water system.
