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

The research programs of our three laboratories routinely use fluorescence microscopy as a tool to analyze gene expression, protein localization, monitor plant transformation, assess DNA damage and associated changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, such experiments require the use of a fluorescence imaging camera in the Department of Neuroscience. This microscope is heavily used and our access to it is limited, compromising the timely completion of experiments. At this point in the Schultz research program, our hypotheses for gene function at the molecular level can be tested quite directly by establishing protein localization using fluorescent tags.  To accomplish this, we must have frequent and unlimited access to a fluorescent imaging system.   Accessibility is especially critical in the analysis of gene or protein expression during development, since experiments require sequential observations at 12 hour intervals of plants through developmental time, or at 0.5 hour intervals following chemical treatment. I have a NIKON E600 fluorescence microscope equipped with differential interference contrast and phase contrast for which I received provincial funding in 2000.  While it satisfies all the microscopic requirements of our laboratories, it is equipped only with a Coolpix995 camera, which is not sufficiently sensitive to capture fluorescence images.  Moreover, we do not have any of the image analysis software required for merging images and quantifying levels of gene or protein expression under different conditions. These capabilities are critical to our research programs, therefore we are requesting funds to purchase a fluorescence imaging system for my NIKON E600 fluorescence microscope.