BOSTON (AP) – A couple has given Dana-Farber Cancer Institute $16.5 million, believed to be its largest contribution from an individual donor.

The money donated by John and Shelley Blais, of Framingham, will be used to establish a center to study cellular proteins. The goal is to develop techniques for understanding the basic workings of normal and cancer cells.

Blais is founder and president of Blais Company in Framingham, a holding company that specializes in high-tech firms. He also is a trustee of the institute.

Blais said the scientists and doctors at Dana-Farber have established themselves as being able to turn laboratory discoveries into cancer treatments.

The Blais family has contributed more than $30 million to the cancer center.

The couple also has homes in Fort Myers, Fla., and Wolfeboro, N.H.