The dramatic advances in the study of genes (genomics) and proteins (proteomics) have led to exciting new technologies. However, researchers still face major limitations in their attempts to study how cells function, particularly in a diseased state. In some cases, this is because a large number of these cells are required to produce an adequate sample to characterize proteins. In addition, the error rate for sequencing genes is high and it takes too long to carry out current proteomics or genomics tests.
This project is developing new tools to increase the capabilities of scientists in the fields of genomics and proteomics. Specifically, the project is developing new handling techniques for biological samples in micro- and nanolitre volumes in order to reduce quantities of samples, and improve both the speed of analysis and automation. In addition, the researchers propose to create high performance spectrometry tools for protein analysis.
Armed with these new technologies, scientists will be better able to conduct tests on how cells function, diagnose diseases sooner and develop new therapies more quickly.
This project is a collaborative effort between MDS Sciex, a Canadian instrumentation company; Advanced Integrated MicroSystems (AIMS), a newly-formed microfluidics company; and researchers at universities and research institutes across Canada (University of Alberta, University of Manitoba, Laval University, Queen’s University and University of Victoria).