Cellular Microinjection and Fluorescence Imaging System for Analysis of Living Cells

近年来，生命过程显微镜经历了一次小规模的复兴。特别重要的是使用遗传和显微注射荧光探针来跟踪和梳理活细胞和组织中的动态过程。在这笔赠款中，国家科学基金会提供了资金，用于购买最先进的显微注射和显微镜成像系统。该设备将由查尔斯顿学院、南卡罗来纳医科大学和NOAA东南水产科学中心的基础科学研究人员使用。这些项目包括：对活斑马鱼胚胎中绿色荧光蛋白表达的遗传分析；在组织培养中跟踪带有荧光标记的细胞的迁移行为；动态测量发育过程中的细胞间通讯；以及对发育中的鱼类胚胎中的毒素进行荧光跟踪。使用这种设备的跨学科小组已经证明了对教育的承诺，并在为年轻人提供在专业研究环境中体验工作的机会方面有着良好的记录。这包括从高中到博士后实习生的所有级别的学生--特别强调鼓励少数群体参与科学。NSF的这笔赠款将为南卡罗来纳州查尔斯顿地区的科学研究和教育基础设施做出重大贡献。

ABSTRACT - 9970402The microscopy of living processes has undergone a minor renaissance in recent years. Of particular importance has been the use of genetic and microinjected fluorescent probes to track and tease apart dynamic processes in living cells and tissues. In this grant, funds have been provided by the National Science Foundation to purchase a state-of-the-art microinjection and microscope imaging system. This equipment will be used by basic science researchers at the College of Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina and NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The projects include applications in genetic analysis of green fluorescent protein expression in living zebrafish embryos; following migratory behavior of fluorescently tagged cells in tissue culture; dynamic measurement of cell-to-cell communication in developmental processes; and fluorescent tracking of toxins in developing fish embryos. The interdisciplinary groups using this equipment have proven commitments to education and strong records of providing opportunities for young people to experience work in a professional research environment. These include students at all levels from high school to post-doctoral trainees-with special emphasis on encouraging minority participation in science. This grant by the NSF will contribute significantly to scientific research and education infrastructure in the Charleston, South Carolina area.