Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The ability to obtain images of cells, tissues, and whole animals has been at the forefront of biological technological advance since the advent of the first microscope and has resulted in the evolution of various imaging modalities, including optical imaging. Bioluminescent and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent optical imaging allows the visualization of various cellular processes and has evolved from observing anatomical differences between tissues from a single time point to imaging multiple biological features longitudinally in a noninvasive manner in the same animal or plant (seedling). Until recently, in vivo imaging required very expensive (often $250,000) instruments that were also relatively complex to operate. In contrast, the requested new Pearl Trilogy in vivo imaging system is affordable and simple to run. This bioluminescent and NIR in vivo imaging system delivers enough targets imaging options for the vast majority (95%) of experimental needs in our laboratories. We request funding to purchase this instrument, that is otherwise unavailable on the main campus of the Université de Sherbrooke, to support our research in many fields using small animals and plants in vivo imaging. This instrument is essential for our research programs, and will, under the supervision of a imaging platform coordinator, enable many new projects as well as contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel from several laboratories.