The long-term goal of this Bioengineering Research Partnerships is to develop semiconductor nanocrystals fluorescent probes (q- dots) technology that will provide biomedical research with better tools for diagnosis of diseases and biomedical techniques and instrumentation necessary for basic research of cellular and molecular structure and fundamental life processes. This includes q-dot probe synthesis, bio-conjugation techniques, dedicated optical instrumentation and unique imaging methodologies. We will develop optimized protocols for q-dot synthesis with desired optical, physical and chemical properties. Various spectroscopic and structural measurements will be used to fully characterize q-dots. This information will be fed back into the synthesis for optimization of the desired properties. Bio-conjugation schemes and labeling protocols will be developed for biomolecules and fixed and living cells. The utility and the new possibilities opened-up by q-dot technology will be demonstrated by studying protein trafficking and assembly in living cells and by physically mapping genes. The movements of secretory granule membranes during recycling will be tracked in living cells. Actin-based locomotion and mitotic spindle assembly will be imaged in real-time in cell- extracts. Molecular mechanism of synaptic transmitter release will be studied by following vesicle dynamics and protein trafficking in the synaptic apparatus. We will also physically map large number of distinct markers on chromosomes and combed DNA molecules and monitor the kinetics of chromosome pairing during meiotic prophase. All these demonstrations rely on the unique photophysical properties of q-dots, enabling new experiments and measurements to be performed and significant new biology to be revealed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01RR014891-02
Application #
6394764
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-Z (03))
Program Officer
Marron, Michael T
Project Start
2000-07-01
Project End
2005-06-30
Budget Start
2001-07-01
Budget End
2002-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$1,160,537
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
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