Award details

At the cutting edge: an ultramicrotome for ambient and low temperature sectioning

Reference	BB/D524767/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Peter Shewry
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Michael John Adams, Dr Raffaella (Raffa) Carzaniga, Dr Keith Davies, Dr Jacqueline Freeman, Professor Kim Hammond-Kosack, Professor Huw Jones, Sir Phil Jones, Dr Konstantin Kanyuka, Professor Brian Kerry, Dr Sinita Kurup, Professor John Lucas, Dr Jason Rudd, Professor Frederica Theodoulou, Dr Paola Tosi
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Plant Biology & Crop Science
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	45,112
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/12/2005
End date	31/08/2006
Duration	9 months

Abstract

We are seeking BBSRC support for the purchase of a ultramicrotome package which includes an ultramicrotome (LEICA Ultracut UC6) with a cryo chamber (LEICA EM FC6) to advance multidisciplinary studies in cell biology and to improve existing ultramicrotomy equipment at Rothamsted Research, Centre for BioImaging. The package we are requesting also includes a knife maker (LEICA KMR2), an essential tool for quality ultramicrotomy and a TV camera (LEICA IC A) to facilitate training of users. The key features of the Leica ultramicrotome, its precision, user friendliness and stability at the temperatures required for cryo ultrathin sectioning will ensure that it is reliable and productive in a multi-user environment. The Centre for BioImaging has a good range of equipment and expertise to visualise gene expression and protein localisation at the cellular and subcellular level, providing a multi-user, interdisciplinary environment that is readily accessible to all research groups within the institute. The unit is equipped for the majority of sample preparation techniques, including cryofixation, and state-of-the-art light and electron microscopes. At present, our lack of a modern ultramicrotome to cut high quality ultrathin sections is restricting progress of current projects and the development of new directions in our research. The acquisition of the new ultramicrotome package to replace the old will greatly enhance the research infrastructure and the resulting output. The new ultramicrotome will be used to conduct research in the following key areas: Plant Development and Cell Biology ¿ (a) Cereal storage protein synthesis: the relationship between development, structure and composition of the cereal grain and its end use properties. (b) Seed lipid metabolism: studies of the role of the COMATOSE ABC transporter. Plant Immunity ¿ (a) Plant pathogen interactions. Resistance to cereal soil-borne viruses. (b) Bio-pesticide function and cell biology: the role of collagen in the adhesion of pasteuria penetrans to nematode cuticles and the penetration mechanisms of nematophagous fungi into cyst nematode eggs. These research areas are closely aligned to the key remits of BBSRC research strategy- Interactions between plants and other organisms; the control of gene expression and the action of gene products in the whole organism; the mechanism of plant growth and development; and understanding and exploiting the diversity of form and function in plants and microbes. The applicants currently hold grants from BBSRC in excess of 2.3 million pounds (see individual curriculum vitae) and the new equipment will ensure the continued progress of these projects.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Research Equipment Initiative 2005 (RE5) [2005]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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