Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This application is to update our histology core equipment (processing, embedding and microtome stations). The existing equipment is over 10 years old, have been repaired numerous times and is obsolete. The equipment is also not safe for the users or the environment as the space does not have sufficient ventilation to accommodate the processor which should be placed within a fumehood. This creates delays in tissue processing and students' project and adds additional cost that our discovery grants cannot cover. We would like to buy a free standing carbon filter enclosed system that will protect both the users and the environment for processing tissues along with the embedding station since the one we have does not cool samples anymore and we have to have an additional cold plate for blocking tissue. We also want to update the manual microtome to a semi-automated. The upgrade is not only more user friendly but would allow us to have more consistent tissue sectioning and it has additional safety features that protect the users.******An important novel aspect of Dr. Richard's Discovery grant is to understand the connection between the gut morphology, the gut-associated immune system and the peripheral or systemic immune system in the Wistar rat model of obesity. This requires to do immunohistochemistry on different sections of the gut. Dr. Jacobs' Discovery grant strives to understand the role of dietary choline, and related nutrients, on mammalian physiology. The importance of histological analysis cannot be overstated within these programs. The current equipment we are using has been repaired numerous times in the last year and parts for the repairs are not always available delaying protocol optimization and the training of HQPs. This justifies the need and urgency of replacing it now to prevent further delay. Many other collaborators, professors and their students in the Department use the histology core equipment. Since the histology core has multiple users, the Department provides a technician to operate and maintain the equipment on a daily basis which makes it more affordable to use. She also trains students and other HQPs on how to use the equipment. ******We have developed a program where trainees are exposed to all aspects of research, from basic science to translational applications i.e. “from test-tube to animal models to humans” using a variety of experimental approaches that include biochemical, cell biological, molecular biological, and in vivo techniques. This allows our HQP to have many “tools' in their professional “tool kit” that will improve their employability. Trainees who learn how to use histology equipment and how to analyze the results gain valuable skills that are an asset in many different careers (industry, healthcare, academia etc.). Each year, we train a number of HQPs that span from research associate, new lab technicians, graduate students as well as undergraduate students from different Department. **