Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>The tremendous power of fluorescence microscopy was recently recognized with the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to three scientists who have masterminded super resolution imaging. Although hailed as a quantum leap in live cell imaging, there are few labs worldwide who can actually use super resolution in living cells. Other modes of fluorescence imaging are now available that can improve resolution and also obtain quantitative data on the dynamics of cellular processes in real time. This project proposes to combine two such imaging modes, total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) and fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) on one microscope. Specifically, an existing multi-laser TIRF microscope will be retrofitted with the necessary hardware to enable FRAP to be conducted and to generate data on the dynamic turnover of proteins at the cell surface. This new tool will be indispensable for quantifying the turnover of enzyme complexes that synthesize the worlds most abundant biopolymer cellulose, as well as membrane receptors, transporters and other proteins complexes situated at the plasma membrane.</p>