Abstract
The Vermont Genetics Network (VGN) Outreach Core's mission is to bring cutting-edge technology and knowledge to undergraduates at colleges throughout the state of Vermont. In this transferable module, students learn how protein expression in yeast is changed after exposure to oxidative stress or an environmental toxin. Total protein is then harvested and prepared for 2D gel analysis. Proteins with differential expression are isolated from the 2D gel and prepared for Mass Spectrometry at the UVM Proteomics Core Facility. The data is processed and students examine their results and use bioinformatics tools to further understand the biological implications of the results.
Here we present an overview of the course and experimental data gathered from classes at several Vermont colleges examining the protein expression changes in yeast during oxidative stress.
The VGN Proteomics Outreach project was initiated in the fall of 2009 and exposes undergraduates in the state of Vermont to proteomics technology using hands-on laboratory experiences. We provide all teaching materials, laboratory materials and if necessary equipment for colleges within the state to run the module. If needed the materials become the property of the recipient institution upon completion of the laboratory module. The undergraduate students learn about this cutting edge technology and gain new skills that we believe will help them with their future scientific careers.
This work was sponsored by Grant Number 8P20GM103449-11, from the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).