Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We are a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative team of biologists, physiologists and ecologists with international training background and diverse research profiles. As a cohesive and inclusive team, we take collaborative and innovative approaches to explore the fundamental mechanisms driving different biological processes using diverse models, including alga, honey bee, mosquito, butterfly, mouse, insect cell lines, human stem cells and organoids. To further examine tissue dynamics and cellular composition and to understand the subcellular structures and molecular pathways in these diverse organisms, our Team requires an advanced tissue culture and imaging platform. Here, we are seeking support for purchasing the first rotating tissue culture device (Nakayama) and automated inverted fluorescence imaging system (EVOS M7000) in Manitoba. The rotating tissue culture device will allow us to establish advanced tissue culture models (free-floating tissue culture, whole embryo culture and organoid culture), which is not possible with the existing conventical incubators, for our diverse NSERC DG-funded research programs. The EVOS M7000 provides efficient, automated and unbiased whole-slide and whole-culture-dish imaging for quantitative analysis, which greatly reduces the person-hours and labor intensity in data collection (using single image acquisition and manual stitching approach). It also allows our Team to perform live imaging studies that is currently not possible with existing outdated and oversubscribed microscopes. This platform is cost-effective and flexible and can culture and image tissues from many model organisms, which benefits numerous research programs in our Team and facilitate research advancement, collaborations, innovations and synergies in Manitoba. By integrating the first advanced tissue culture and imaging platform in Manitoba and streamlining the research process, the platform provides unique training opportunity to our HQP with improved quality and extent. The hands-on marketable advanced tissue culture and microscopy skills will prepare them for diverse careers and enhance their job prospects within academia (faculty and professor positions) and industry (researcher, technician and facility leader positions) and contribute significantly to their subsequent success. Having the advanced tissue culture and imaging platform housed in our newly renovated cell culture facility will also attract additional HQP from underrepresented groups to join our labs. Our team is in dire need of this advanced tissue culture and imaging platform to accelerate our stalled research programs, establish novel research models, stimulate further collaborations, improve HQP training and publish high-impact research articles. This ultimately will ensure that our Team's research is comparable to or exceeds the international standards and position researchers from University of Manitoba at the forefront of research achievements and innovation.