Acquisition of a Microbeta 2(MicroBeta- 6 detektors)

Our section consists of 4 research groups. Each group is devoted into different aspects of the receptor pharmacology, but we are united by the overarching research theme, therapeutic potential, and physiological functions of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the treatment of a variety of diseases.

In our section we need to buy a new Beta scintillation counter as it will replace an old and non-functional instrument.

The instrument is needed to measure binding of ligand to receptors in a time-resolved manner, which requires the use of advanced technology involving radioligands and specific beads. The rational for purchasing this specific instrument, the MicroBeta from Perkin Elmer, is that it is the only available with the capability to perform these experiments. There are no alternative distributors on the marked.

The intended procurement is a successor and therefore it complements our existing, but non-functional, TopCount NXT system. Being able to continue our work and research with time-resolved measurements of radioligand binding to receptors. We need the new system to be identical.

The novel Microbeta will, like its predecessor, be used for real-time binding kinetic studies for advanced affinity determinations, and end-stage signaling of G proteins. In order to not lose all our already established research data by starting all over with a new instrument - we need this specific instrument. If we change to a different instrument, we wouldn’t be able to ensure internal comparability, data reproducibility and alignment with already existing data. That would furthermore cause severe consequences for our work as the lack of similarity between data on two different instruments wouldn’t be accepted by the Scientific journals.

For us to be able to continue our research it is essential and very important for us that we can continue using the same plates, spa beads, radioligands and other accessories that we’ve already purchased for the existing systems to avoid unnecessary purchases and new time-consuming optimization SPA technology where radioligand binding is detected by specific SPA beads is a core method in the research unit. Protocols have been optimized and validated to use SPA technology for time resolved measurements of radioligand binding to receptors.

Several years of work have been spent to develop and optimize methods for measuring time resolved ligand binding to receptors using the technology made possible by the Microbeta instrument. A change of supplier would require years of development of new methods, which in the end will likely not reach the specifications of the Microbeta.