Microscopy and Image Analysis Core

Core Leader:  Robert Wheeler, Ph.D.

The COBRE will establish a center of excellence at the University of Maine (UMaine) focusing on the impacts of extracellular signaling on cell behavior. Elucidating the intricacies of extracellular signaling requires sophisticated and dynamic analyses of cellular structure in vivo. All five of the proposed research projects are structured around longitudinal designs that require high throughput imaging of live systems over an extended period of time. These longitudinal studies are critical to elucidate the impact of extracellular signaling on cell behavior and consequential impacts on organismal health. The five projects will also incorporate novel, unbiased image analysis paradigms that will increase rigor and reproducibility. To address these needs, the proposed COBRE Microscopy and Image Analysis Core has two specific aims designed to provide training and access to (1) state-of-the art, high resolution live imaging services and (2) experiment planning, data management and image analysis services. More specifically, the MIAC Core will provide COBRE research project leaders (RPLs) with access to advanced instrumentation, cost-effective and efficient services to facilitate high resolution longitudinal imaging, training and expertise in live imaging, unbiased and rigorous image analysis, and safe and accessible data storage. The Core will support not only the five COBRE RPLs but also scientists throughout UMaine, as well as scientist in the state who are affiliated with UMaine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) and the Maine INBRE Program.

Central to the proposed Microscopy and Image Analysis Core is the acquisition of an inverted Zeiss LSM900 with Airyscan2 and live cell imaging (for live imaging of yeast, astrocytes and zebrafish embryos) and the hiring of a full-time microscopist to help support its use. This new microscope is installed and available in Hitchner Hall, which also houses all UMaine COBRE RPLS as well as the Zebrafish facility. It is the only microscope in the state to allow live imaging of infectious agents with environmental control.

Welcome to Zhengxin Ma, Ph.D., new Microscopy Facility Manager as of May 2024

Zhengxin was first drawn by fluorescent microscopy during her graduate studies at the University of Florida, where she earned a M.S. in animal nutrition and a Ph.D. in animal microbiology, studying how to mitigate antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. She used fluorescent microscopy to understand bacteria and antimicrobial interactions in mammalian cells and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. During her post-doctoral time at MDI Biological Laboratory, she further used the technique to understand the relationship between dietary restriction, translation, and aging using C. elegans as a model. Transitioning to a manager role at UMaine MIAC facility, she now provides technical training, oversees equipment operations, and collaborates across disciplines to optimize imaging protocols.

She shared her plans as she settles in her new position:  “My first goal is to establish comprehensive training programs for users at all levels, from beginners to advanced researchers. This includes not only teaching the technical aspects of microscopy, but also best practices in sample preparation, image analysis, and interpretation. Besides education, based on the needs of our users, I would like to continually update and expand our range of microscopy equipment. This could involve acquiring new instruments, updating existing ones, or implementing advanced techniques. In addition, I am very excited about the collaborative opportunities this position presents. Working closely with researchers from various fields allows us to delve into interdisciplinary projects, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. In addition to work closely with the researchers in our department, we will collaborate with the other core facilities and departments within the University of Maine System, as we strive to create a vibrant scientific community centered around advanced imaging techniques.”