Proteomics centre gets $1 million for equipment upgrade

by Valerie Shore

The UVic-Genome BC proteomics centre has boosted its arsenal of state-of-the-art research equipment, thanks to more than $1 million in funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and MDS Metro Laboratory Services.

The money, part of a $2.5 million grant to Genome BC announced last month, has already been spent by the proteomics centre to purchase a new mass spectrometer, a large IBM computer, and an instrument that will allow automated analysis of clinical and research samples.

Proteomics is the study of proteins - their location, structure and function. Just as every living thing has a complete set of DNA known as its genome, we all carry a full complement of proteins known as the proteome - the enzymes, antibodies and structural molecules that make up our cells. Proteomics research is applicable to just about every area of biological and medical investigation.

The UVic centre serves the proteomics and protein chemistry needs of more than 150 laboratories across Canada on a fee-for-service basis. Three years ago its mandate was expanded to provide proteomics support for large-scale research programs funded by Genome BC in the areas of forestry, fisheries and cancer.

Last October the centre moved from cramped quarters on the UVic campus to a 5,000 sq. ft. space in the Vancouver Island Technology Park in Saanich, where it has partnered with MDS Metro to develop new analytical tools for more accurate medical diagnostics and treatments.

In addition to protein separation, analysis and processing systems, the centre houses several automated mass spectrometers - sophisticated instruments that can accurately and quickly identify a protein or part of a protein by its molecular weight.

The new spectrometer is even more sensitive and faster, says UVic biochemist Dr. Bob Olafson, director of the centre. "With this new equipment we can tackle some of the more difficult proteomics problems, keeping UVic at the forefront of proteomics research in Canada."

The proteomics centre is sup-ported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Genome BC, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Western Economic Diversification Canada, MDS Metro and UVic.