Microscopy and Image Analysis Core
Significance
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 will be installed and available in Hitchner Hall, which also houses all UMaine COBRE RPLS as well as the Zebrafish facility. This will be the only microscope in the state to allow live imaging of infectious agents with environmental control.