Novel fluorescence methods for biomedical applications
 The long-term goal of the INBRE Mayville State University research program is to offer undergraduate students a challenging and rewarding experience directed toward biomedical research. Through BRIN Phase I funding, we have begun to incorporate innovative fluorescence technology, which has been developed by a local high-tech business with funding from the NSF and NIH. This technology provides a breakthrough in the generation of high quality fluorescence lifetime information. Applications in allele-specific SNP genotyping and real-time PCR decay will be investigated. Our hypothesis is that the fluorescence lifetime methodology will allow multiplexed PCR and SNP detection that can be simultaneously performed on a greater number of targets with less expense, higher sensitivity and selectivity than is provided by equipment and kits that are currently available commercially. Our research plan has four specific aims:
- Characterize the environmental influence on the fluorescent properties of candidate fluorophores (both in their free form and bound to an oligonucleotide) that are candidates for lifetime-based RT-PCR probes.
- Develop methodology using the lifetime fluorescent probes to monitor single and multiplex RT-PCR analysis.
- Develop methodology using the lifetime fluorescent probes to perform SNP detection.
- Apply the lifetime probe methodology to RT-PCR and SNP genotyping on real-world samples through collaboration with the INBRE groups at Dickinson State University, Turtle Mountain Community College, and the Biology Core Facility at NDSU.
Research Developments
- Last month we split our efforts into two
closely related projects. We currently believe that much of problem that
we have been having in developing our fluorescence-based methodology is
due to a contaminant in our probes and that the manufacturer of these fluorescently labeled probes may not be able to detect the contaminant. We are looking at other options.
- The new bean project is on Biotechnology Assisted Development of
Iron & Zinc Dense Beans in North Dakota to Combat Micronutrient
Deficiencies. For assessing the content of iron and zinc in common bean,
the bean lines should be grown in same environment like same soil
condition. We have planted 13 lines of common bean in the greenhouse
using sunshine mix and we are in the process of collecting bean lines
from CIAT (International center for tropical agriculture) which have been identified with very high content of iron and zinc. Seeds from these lines will be analyzed for iron and zinc content.
Conferences and Meetings
- Four Mayville State INBRE researchers attended the regional ASBMB conference at Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Students Employed
- Six undergraduate students
Students Receiving Credit
- Two students, who are also included above
Students Using Labs and Equipment
- The six students employed and six additional students from the genetics class
Student Presentations or Posters
- Two students presented posters at the regional ASBMB conference last Saturday at Minnesota State University-Moorhead
- One Mayville State INBRE research student gave a
research presentation over the IVN system to the other North Dakota
academic institutions.
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