CORNELL UNIVERSITY, INC
Our research is focused on important aspects of respiratory chain assembly in mitochondria, using yeast as a model organism. We are seeking to understand the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression by proteins encoded in the nucleus that are required for protein synthesis inside the organelle. We are also seeking to understand the mechanisms that insert mitochondrially synthesized proteins into the inner membrane. This research will uncover mechanisms controlling mitochondrial gene expression that appear to be conserved in humans, since humans have homologs of both the mitochondrially coded proteins (Cox1 and Cox2) and the nuclearly encoded proteins (Mss51, Oxa1 and Cox18) being studied in yeast.
This administrative suppliement will support the purchase of a quantitative imaging system that will improve the efficiency of photodocumentation and give us new capabilities in the capture of quantitative data from Western blot experiments. The instrument is the Flurochem Q, made by the American firm Alpha Innotech Corp. 2401 Merced St., San Leandro, CA 94577. The purchase of this equipment will clearly contribute to the commercial success of American firm Alpha Innotech Corp., and the livlihood of its employees, at the same time it will enhance and accelerate our research.