Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This RTI aims to secure funds to expand and enhance the zebrafish research facility at the University of Saskatchewan LASU (USask Laboratory Animal Service Unit) located in the Health Sciences Building. Our research productivity is severely hampered by the lack of space for fish breeding and rearing systems, coupled with an aging and malfunctioning microscope used to evaluate mutant fish phenotypes. The deficient state of the zebrafish facility impacts the productivity of several laboratories at USask, including Drs. Gauvrit, Szabo-Rogers, Boughner, Eames, and Collins and their 20 highly qualified personnel (HQP) working in those laboratories. To revitalize our facility, we must purchase a new zebrafish rack and an epifluorescence stereo (dissecting) microscope with its workstation. The data generated will drive breakthrough discoveries in the mechanisms behind both typical and atypical cardiovascular and craniofacial development, which are the primary focus of the applicants' laboratories. The proposed rack will provide increased space for maintaining and developing new zebrafish transgenic lines. Once the transgenic lines are produced, we will analyze them using the stereomicroscope and capture publication-quality images that range from overall morphology to near single-cell resolution. Both components are fundamental elements for any laboratory working with zebrafish embryos, and our current resources hinder our ability to stay competitive in our respective fields. The acquisition of this equipment will not only enhance the technical skills of all 20 HQPs in the applicants/collaborators lab but also position them for future success in their careers. The opportunity to work with advanced equipment will allow HQP to become experts in zebrafish research and imaging, making them highly competitive for future academic and industry positions. Additionally, this equipment will be available as a shared resource to the Imaging & Development research cluster composed of 14 laboratories from 4 departments within the College of Medicine, including 2 early career researchers (ECR) laboratories (Drs Gauvrit and Collins), providing training opportunities for at least 50 HQP. Beyond the training benefits, this equipment will greatly accelerate scientific progress in numerous USask labs, support women in sciences, and establish our province as a leader in zebrafish research. It will foster local and international collaborations, leading to the generation of valuable data and publications. This, in turn, will support current and future NSERC-related funding proposals, attract additional funding, and enable cutting-edge research in developmental biology and genetics.