2306/JN - Chromatography System for Protein and Nucleic Acid Purification

The Bose Lab works on understanding the function of non-coding RNA: protein complexes, and how they regulate gene expression. The group uses a combination of functional genomics, biochemistry and structural biology to probe the mechanism of protein:RNA complexes.

The lab is generously funded by a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society. The group is also associated with a wider cross-faculty and departmental grouping of labs focused on nucleic acids research within the University of Sheffield as part of the Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids; the equipment will therefore be of wider interest to a number of groups within the University.

Our work studies how non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) interact with and regulate distinct activities in regulatory enzyme complexes that control chromatin accessibility and therefore transcription in mammalian systems. We have previously shown that direct interactions with ncRNAs are a key regulatory factor for these enzymes.

The biochemical and structural biology experiments carried out in the group require the formation of diverse protein:nucleic acid complexes, and their subsequent purification to high levels of purity. We also incorporate a variety of fluorophores into our purified samples.

As many of these complexes are only weakly associated or transient, accurate sample preparation requires the ability to operate a number of preparation protocols quickly and reproducibly. Importantly, the ability to simultaneously detect the presence of both protein and RNA components in the sample formation reaction would be beneficial to ensure complexes are formed prior to their use in downstream experiments.

The University now requires a chromatography system to support the research into this area. In order to purify proteins, RNA and protein:RNA complexes, the system must be capable of a number of distinct protein purification applications, including but not limited to: Affinity chromatography (e.g Ni/Co affinity, GST, Strep-tag), Anion and cation exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.

To preserve the activity and integrity of the purified samples, the system will be housed in a climate controlled cold cabinet operated at 4C. The ability to control and monitor the system remotely would be advantageous.

This is an Non-EU open exercise. Closing date for receipt of tenders: 2nd September 2019 at 12 noon (UK time).