My research program focuses on discovering the biochemical regulation of DMSP contents in algae. My short term goal is to discover the genes encoding the DMSP biosynthesis pathway enzymes using a combination of bacterial complementation assays, comparative genomics and classical protein purification methods. Purification of the native enzymes will enable gene identification technologies to discover the genes encoding DMSP metabolic enzymes. Purified native or recombinant DMSP enzymes will be characterized with respect to their biochemical structure, regulation, and kinetic behaviour. Identification of genes encoding DMSP metabolic enzymes will further our understanding of how widespread DMSP production is in 1) sequenced algal genomes by searching their genomes and 2) by using antibodies raised against purified enzymes in immunoblot analyses of those algae without sequenced genomes. These tools will also facilitate investigations of DMSP enzyme regulation under different conditions by monitoring transcript or protein expression level changes.

• Biological and Life Sciences
• Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment

Separation, quantitation, and identification of small molecules

https://www.agilent.com/en/products/liquid-chromatography/infinitylab-analytical-lc-solutions/1260-infinity-ii-lc-systems#1

Small molecule separation, quantification, and identification

autosampler, diode array detector, variable wavelength detector, fluorescence detector, refractive index detector

Purification of proteins, analysis of oligomerization

https://www.gelifesciences.com/en/ca/shop/chromatography/chromatography-systems/akta-pure-p-05844

Absorbance, flourescence, luminescence measurement of microplate & cuvette, in kinetic/spectrum/endpoint measurement modes

https://www.moleculardevices.com/products/microplate-readers/multi-mode-readers/spectramax-m-series-readers#specs

Efficient lysis of cells

https://www.avestin.com/emulsiflex-b15.htm

Separation of cells, subcellular particles

https://www.beckman.com/centrifuges/high-speed/avanti-j-26xp