Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This request is for a versatile small animal imaging system that will enhance the international competitiveness of the NSERC-funded research programs of Drs. Kienesberger, Pulinilkunnil, and Brunt, Dalhousie University faculty members who share an open access lab in the new basic research facility on the Dalhousie University Saint John, New Brunswick campus. This imaging system is unique as it offers four high-sensitivity imaging modalities - luminescence, fluorescence, radioisotopic, and X-ray - in a single unit, thereby providing flexibility in experimental designs. Due to these attributes, this equipment will advance not only the research of Drs. Kienesberger, Pulinilkunnil, and Brunt but also their collaborators and other investigators in the region. The imager will be utilized to improve our understanding of animal biology, specifically metabolism, by allowing Dr. Kienesberger to study how certain fats influence energy turnover; Dr. Pulinilkunnil to examine the role of amino acids in heart metabolism; and Dr. Brunt to investigate how heme metabolism influences muscle function. Dr. Brunt will also utilize this equipment for his nanoparticle research to design new molecular sensors of animal metabolism. Inbuilt heating and anaesthesia systems allow for extended analyses using the same animal and light-tight ports enable investigators to inject animals with compounds and monitor changes in metabolism in real time. Besides advancing the applicants' research programs, this multimodal small animal imager will also enhance the training environment provided by Drs. Kienesberger, Pulinilkunnil, and Brunt and will lead to increased competitiveness of undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs and technician personnel who will learn how to utilize the equipment under the guidance of a senior research technician. Since this equipment is currently not available in Atlantic Canada it will fill a need for in vivo imaging to advance our understanding of metabolism and animal biology, allowing Drs. Kienesberger, Pulinilkunnil, and Brunt to strengthen animal metabolism research in Canada.