High-Sensitivity Imaging for Molecular and Cellular Biology
Abstract
This application is for three complementary instruments (total cost $508.473.50) that will provide York College/CUNY with state-of-the art imaging capabilities to enhance research and education and increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines in areas of interest to DoD. Molecular Imager (PI: Louis Levinger; active research support NIH R15). The FLA9500 from GE HealthCare ($137,135.31) is the only full-size imager on the research market with general application for phosphor screen imaging, fluorescence and chemiluminescence imaging. Our principle application is to obtain high-quality images from electrophoresis gels, using 32P-labelled RNA and unlabeled proteins and RNA detected with fluorescent dyes (Sypro Orange for proteins, Sybr Green II for RNA). Because image output is digital and IQTL software is available under license, the equipment requested will contribute strongly to quantitative analysis of images for both research and laboratory course instruction. Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope (PI: Lesley Emtage; active research support NIH SC2). The Nikon/Yokogawa CSU-XI spinning disk confocal microscope ($299,718.19) combines rapid image acquisition and high resolution. Confocal microscopes solve a critical problem in microscopy: living cells are 3-dimensional, and therefore much of the signal captured by traditional microscopes is out of focus. The confocal microscope will allow us to selectively capture light emitted by fluorescently tagged proteins within a known axial range, permitting us to accurately quantitate amounts of protein in cells. The spinning-disk design allows faster imaging than point-scanning models, while maintaining a low light dosage. Using the spinning-disk instrument, we will be able to monitor rapid events in living cells, which is essential for our research including studies of autophagy and protein aggregation. York College is currently without a usable confocal microscope; this instrument will facilitate research at the professional level while giving students access to microscopy techniques that are now standard in the biological and biomedical sciences. In addition to use by research trainees, the confocal will be used in regularly offered laboratory courses. Flow Cytometer (PI: Ivica Arsov; active research support NIH SC3). The BD Accuri C6 Plus ($71,620) is a modern, entry-level flow cytometer used for quantitative analysis of cells in suspension. This instrument would replace an underperforming BD Facscan manufactured in 1986. Flow cytometry has become a cornerstone of many different areas of biological research, particularly immunology and cell biology, providing highly accurate analysis of different cell types and their functions. This instrument utilizes laser-based excitation of fluorochromes attached to different antibodies; the fluorescent signals obtained by this excitation are collected by electronic detectors and digitally interpreted. The results of flow cytometry analysis are expressed numerically and also in the form of graphs and therefore provide an excellent way for STEM students to improve their quantitative skills. The instrument will facilitate the pace of research, improve our ability to effectively teach modern biology in regularly offered laboratory courses and complement other equipment in this proposal geared at improving imaging and quantitative capabilities of our department. Equipment maintenance. Planning for instrument maintenance is important due to the high cost of replacement parts (e.g. lasers). The equipment requested will be maintained throughout the estimated ten year service life by the extramurally funded principal investigators in cooperation with the institution, when possible, using extended service warranties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710516
Entities
People
- Louis Levinger
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- York College