Pipetting robot work station

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566594990

We are applying for the replacement of a pipetting robot (workstation) for sample preparation for system-oriented, genome-wide quantitative analysis of cellular regulatory processes, in particular the control of cell differentiation. The requested equipment will be used for sample preparation for transcript quantification and genotyping of cell differentiation mutants using an existing 8-capillary sequencer, as well as for RNAseq experiments and label-free quantitative proteomics using an existing TIMs TOF mass spectrometer. The requested replacement will be integrated into an existing in-house developed laboratory data management and documentation system, which forms the basis for the collection, evaluation and re-use of measurement data in the range of 65,000 to 880,000 gene expression values per single experiment. Although cell differentiation, i.e. the formation of specialized cell types, plays a central role in the development and regeneration of tissues and organs as well as in virtually all degenerative diseases, including cancer, the crucial interplay of the underlying molecular mechanisms is poorly understood. To make fundamental progress in this area, we are working to decipher the circuit diagram of the central control network of cell differentiation using a combination of specially developed experimental and computational methods. The principle is simple. We perturb the dynamic equilibrium of the system by stimulation or mutation and follow the response of the regulatory network over time by measuring a large number of molecular components. Using specialized computational methods, we then generate a model of the reaction in the form of a finite automaton, solely and directly from the measured values, without further hypotheses or assumptions, while taking into account the individual differences from cell to cell. From the mathematical structure of this state machine, the circuit diagram of the regulatory network can then be reconstructed using mathematically sound algorithms. In order to work out as many crucial details as possible, a large amount of further experimental data is required, which will be collected with the help of the requested replacement purchase. The device will also be used for combinatorial screening of anticancer drugs that affect extrinsic apoptosis. The screenings are part of scientific projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the European Union (EU). They require a large number of pipetting steps, making automation essential.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Pipettier-Roboter-Arbeitsstation
• Instrumentation Group: 1060 Dilutoren, Pipettiergeräte, Probennehmer
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Wolfgang Marwan