Designing a western blot method optimized for the time constraints of a biochemistry teaching lab

Friday, October 1, 2021
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
CSU 254 or Zoom

Generally, techniques learned in biochemistry teaching labs allow students to build both foundational skillsets for their post-undergraduate careers and content comprehension.  One foundational technique used in biochemistry and related fields is Western blotting. This method enables the researcher to qualitatively and somewhat quantitatively determine the presence, absence, and abundance of a specific protein in a sample. However, Western blotting can be a challenging technique to implement in an undergraduate lab for several reasons: cost, as the technique requires antibodies which are expensive; time, as typical procedures require steps carried out continually over a couple of days; and optimization, as the technique must be adapted to the specific antibodies used, samples analyzed, and equipment available. In previous semesters, each offering of CHEM 466 acted as one iteration of optimization that yielded difficult to interpret results.  While optimization is deeply a part of the scientific process, muddled results often lead to frustration and confusion on the part of students. In addition, the answer to their experimental question: “Does treatment X change protein Y?” is left unanswered. Thus, with the Teaching Scholar Fellowship, we successfully developed a Western blot procedure that fits within the timeframe of the CHEM 466 lecture/lab schedule for students to conduct the entire method and produce coherent data while utilizing existing equipment available. Additionally, having a reliable and more error-proof method would ensure the students produce interpretable data and thereby leading to less student frustration and more excitement for the results.