# Equipment Supplement to Purchase Infrared Imager

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $66,950

## Abstract

Administrative Supplement to Purchase Infrared Imager
Abstract
My R35 funded research program is focused on RNA structure, uncovering its hidden role in regulating gene
expression beyond simply being a message from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. I am interested in post-
transcriptional regulation, where subtle structural changes in RNA significantly influence its fate – how it's
translated, spliced, and even degraded. We have made significant progress in understanding and predicting
RNA structure’s effect on protein expression, and we are now involved heavily in validating these predictions.
These experiments most-often involve measuring protein expression by western blot. Since we are particularly
interested in subtle differences in protein expression for multiple targets high sensitivity and throughput are
particularly important. We are therefore requesting funds to purchase a High-sensitivity near-infrared (NIR)
fluorescence instrument, specifically the Li-Cor DLx. The Li-Cor DLx excels at detecting faint NIR signals
emitted by various biological probes, enabling sensitive visualization and quantification of target molecules like
proteins. It has rapid scanning capabilities that will significantly increase sample processing efficiency,
combined with accurate and robust digital imaging that ensures data consistency and facilitates image
analysis. As a result, funding this administrative supplement has the potential to significantly accelerate our
ability to validate RNA structures regulating protein expression while maintaining high levels of rigor and
reproducibly in our research. Housed in the Genome Sciences Building, this instrument will be a workhorse
for the Laederach group while also serving as a vital resource for researchers across NIGMS-supported
programs who call the building home or work in closely related fields.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11041481
- **Project number:** 3R35GM140844-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Alain T Laederach
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $66,950
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11041481

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11041481, Equipment Supplement to Purchase Infrared Imager (3R35GM140844-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11041481. Licensed CC0.

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