This MRI project proposal requests funds for an automated PS3 peptide synthesizer system to facilitate the expansion of a peptide chemistry laboratory at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a Hispanic serving institution in South Texas. To foster the continued expansion of research at TAMIU and to better provide educational/research opportunities for their students, this proposal requests funding for equipment that will: 1) contribute to the limited understanding of the mechanism by which cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) translocate cell membranes; 2) increase knowledge of which key spider silk peptides are associated with specific mechanical properties; 3) elucidate the mechanisms of carbohydrates receptors responsible for malignant behavior of cancerous cells 4) provide training and access a research methodology to a large number of predominantly Hispanic students, who are historically underrepresented in math and science professions; 5) augment the education experience of several existing biology courses and enable the creation of an additional elective chemistry course on polymers; 6) foster intramural and extramural collaborations, and 7) increase TAMIU?s competitiveness for extramural research funding and publications.
