Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Fluorescence microscopy, and the discovery of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins like Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), revolutionized cell biology by permitting researchers to observe molecules and sub-cellular structures in living cells, thus making it possible to obtain spatial and temporal information of cellular and molecular processes. Importantly, fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool to study the molecular mechanisms that underpin diseases and disease progression and, in turn, this may provide clues on how to treat diseases that afflict Canadians. Collectively, our research programs aim to understand the molecular mechanisms driving i) how organelles, which are the ""organs of the cell"", are made and function, ii) how membrane and proteins are regulated and transported within cells, iii) how pathogens interact and usurp their mammalian host cells and iv) the biomedical applications of ultrasound. To do this research, we are requesting financial support to purchase a sophisticated microscope system that i) will allow us to visualize living-cells in order to acquire spatio-temporal data of cellular and molecular processes, ii) be capable of environmental regulation and manipulation of cells under observation, iii) be fully automated for robust image acquisition, and iv) equipped with a potent computing system to control image acquisition and analysis. Importantly, the software suite includes deconvolution algorithms that will de-blur image data to produce high-resolution images that can then be subjected to analytical functions like volumetrics and particle tracking. This microscope system will greatly boost our research capacity since we currently do not have a microscope system suitable for live-cell imaging, environmental control and robust image acquisition and analysis. The proposed microscope is also essential to realize the sophisticated training of our students, who will use this system to complete their education and research theses. Overall, this system is fundamentally important to support the emerging field of molecular cell biology at Ryerson.