For research purposes, the cost and sensitivity are real issues. The cost for
the analysis is usually about fifth to tenth of the cost of analysis for
regulatory purposes. The sensitivity is pushing the limits as in 2D gel blots,
sequencing runs that give no readable data, etc. That usually means a precolumn
derivatizing, which requires pure samples to lessen interference from
non-protein material. As said in prior messages, the number of research samples
have dropped off dramatically. In the late 1950's and 1960's AAA was king of
the hill, but in the late 1990's there a trend to mothball them because of
financial reasons. I personally don't see a stand alone research AAA service
unless there is a group that needs the services routinely, such as quantitation
of insoluble or semi-soluble proteins or must have for regulatory requirements.
david
p.s. Even with the rain, the poll as packed this morning. There were good
candiates on both parties and even third parties. However, many of the races
only had one candidate, but at least people got out and voted on the other
issues and races.
-----Original Message-----
From: lsiconolfi-baez@netmail.hscbklyn.edu at MU-Internet
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 1998 11:04 AM
To: abrf@aecom.yu.edu at MU-Internet
Subject: RE: AAA
Bryan,
Our 420 isn't "quite" mothballed. During the last three summers, when
students (often high school or pre med) have asked to come into the
lab, I've had them work on AAA.
Within our institution, I've only had two single sample requests for
AAA from researchers in those three years. I've denied them both
because the machine was not "up and running". The time it would have
taken to bring the system to a level at which I could produce the
quality analysis they were used to getting from us in the past was
prohibitive. As a result, we have decided to no longer provide AAA as
a core lab service.
This is actually grievous to me, mostly perhaps because it follows a
type of "market" driven philosophy which I so loathe. The request for
protein quantitation may be small, but if the trend causes too many of
us to shut down our operations, protein quantitation will fall into
the realm of relativity.
Looking forward to hearing how others feel about the need AAA,
Linda
Big Apple Minute:
The sun is shining on this crisp election day. I will take it as
encouragement that although the ballot of candidates again looks like
making a choice between the lesser of evils, if I don't exercise my
right to vote I'd be adding further lack of diligence to system
falling apart from lack of use.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Linda Siconolfi-Baez
Core Protein Sequencing Center
SUNY Health Science Cntr.
450 Clarkson Ave.
Box 8
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203
718-270-1267 (phone)
718-270-3316 (fax)
lsiconolfi-baez@netmail.hscbklyn.edu
http://www.hscbklyn.edu/SUNY/Biochem/Bioparts/ProtSeq.html
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: AAA
Author: <bch143@abdn.ac.uk > at Internet
Date: 11/2/98 4:55 PM
Hello folks,
we are in the process of applying for funds to allow us to upgrade at
least one of our two 477's with a Procise. We also have a 420A AAA (no longer
available) and we are wondering about the direction to go as regards this
instrument. How many of you guys still feel a need for keeping your AAA's going?
I heard a rumour that there quite a few 420A's and other insruments mothballed
out there.
Grateful for any input.
Regards,
Bryan.
-- Bryan Dunbar Protein Facility Dept. of Molecular & Cell Biology University of Aberdeen Polwarth Building Foresterhill Aberdeen AB25 2ZD Tel:- +44 (0)1224 273103 Fax:- +44 (0)1224 273104 e-mail:- b.dunbar@abdn.ac.uk