) The Peptide Synthesis Facility began operations in December of 1988. The Facility was established for the purpose of providing members of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute with peptides for their research. The Facility is under the direction of Dr. Frances Finn, who has had many years of experience in the field of peptide synthesis. The Peptide Synthesis Facility occupies 600 square feet of space on the 12th floor of Scaife Hall in the School of Medicine. Equipment to establish the Facility was purchased with a BRS shared instrument grant from NIH. This included an Applied Biosystems 430A Synthesizer, equipment of High Performance Liquid Chromatography, both analytical and preparative scale. An Applied Biosystems Synergy Synthesizer was purchased by the UPCI in 1997, to meet the increased demand for peptides, especially small amounts for screening purposes. Synthesis, quality control, purification, and equipment maintenance are the responsibility of the operator, a technician who has been with the Facility since 1990. He is responsible for the producing peptides of a high degree of purity. The operational plan is based on the assumption that fewer operation difficulties occur if a single experienced individual has responsibility for the equipment. Dr. Finn oversees the operation of the facility, troubleshooting difficult synthetic sequences, consulting with investigators as to optimal sequences for antigen coupling, the necessity for purification, predicted solubility of peptides and general peptide handling and storage practices. An Advisory Committee discusses management of the Facility especially in regard to allocation of time on the instrument, establishment of fee structures and personnel appointments.
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