# Equipment Supplement to R01GM148610 for an Eppendorf Innova 44R Incubator Shaker

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA · 2024 · $26,337

## Abstract

Project Summary
The primary goal of R01GM148610: “EmCAST: Stabilizing Proteins and Tuning Dynamics with High Precision
and Accuracy” is to further develop and validate the EmCAST algorithm, which uses sequence/structure data
available in the Protein Data Bank to predict stabilizing mutations at surface exposed sites of proteins. This
goal will be accomplished in three aims. Aims 1 and 2 apply the method to four all- domains, two all-
domains and a set of four / domains. Aim 3 applies EmCAST to the problem of tuning the equilibrium
between two protein conformers. Reliable methods to stabilize proteins are essential for increasing the shelf
life of protein pharmaceuticals and for providing stable scaffolds for evolving new protein functions and high-
specificity binding agents. A key need of this project is the ability to efficiently express multiple variants of
eleven different proteins from Escherichia coli. Recently, one of two incubator shakers in the PI’s lab has
become less reliable leading to substantial downtime. This has significantly slowed the ability of the PI’s lab to
express the proteins needed for this project. To remedy this problem, we are requesting funds through this
equipment supplement to purchase an Eppendorf Innova 44R Incubator Shaker. This incubator shaker has
refrigeration providing for tight temperature control in the 30 – 40 oC range (±0.1 oC) and incubation at
temperatures up to 20 oC below ambient temperature. Shaking speeds can also be controlled to within ±1 rpm.
These features will permit readily reproducible expression of the proteins needed for this project. The
refrigeration capabilities of the Innova 44R are not available on our current incubator shaker and will facilitate
expression of isotopically labeled proteins required to evaluate the effects of protein stability on dynamics in
Aims 1 and 2 using NMR relaxation methods. Efficient production of isotopically labeled proteins on minimal
media often requires incubation at ambient temperature or below. Finally, the robust and well-tested design of
the Innova 44R ensures that the cost of its upkeep and maintenance will be minimal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11099203
- **Project number:** 3R01GM148610-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
- **Principal Investigator:** BRUCE E BOWLER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $26,337
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-24 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11099203

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11099203, Equipment Supplement to R01GM148610 for an Eppendorf Innova 44R Incubator Shaker (3R01GM148610-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11099203. Licensed CC0.

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