CAREER: Integrated Scanning and Optical Imaging Techniques to Enable Understanding of Live Cell Dynamics - From Molecular Biology to Physiological Function

职业：集成扫描和光学成像技术，以了解活细胞动力学 - 从分子生物学到生理功能

• 批准号: 0747334
• 负责人: Andreea Trache
• 金额: $ 42.98万
• 依托单位: The Texas A&M University System HSC Research Foundation
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-05-01 至 2015-04-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0747334&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: CAREER; Integrated; Scanning; Optical; Imaging

In this CAREER proposal the PI proposes to develop a uniquely integrated microscopy technology that is broadly applicable across a wide range of molecular dynamic studies in live cells. The technique's capabilities will be demonstrated by studying the dynamic structure-function relationship of the living cell as it adapts to its local mechanical environment. The objectives of the proposed research and educational plan are to: (1) Develop and demonstrate a state-of-the-art integrated microscope system that combines Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fast Spinning-Disk (FSD) Confocal Microscopy and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) into one instrument; (2) Apply the integrated AFM-optical imaging technology to study protein dynamics in the fundamental process of cellular reorganization in response to mechanical force; (3) Implement an educational plan that will: (a) expose high school students, especially girls and underrepresented minorities, to advancements in the biophysical sciences with the aim of enhancing their interest in pursuing careers in science; (b) develop an innovative graduate course module that uses interactive and visual techniques to help life science and engineering students better understand the physics of advanced imaging; and (c) develop a website on AFM theory and its biological applications to serve as an open-source interactive teaching tool. The education plan will introduce basic science concepts of this interdisciplinary field of research and hands on experience to high school students, focusing on girls and minority students, through a new program: Saturday Morning Biophysics: Image Life! The PI will also mentor one graduate and two undergraduate students in this interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research project.

在这份职业提案中，PI建议开发一种独特的集成显微技术，该技术可广泛应用于活细胞中广泛的分子动力学研究。这项技术的能力将通过研究活细胞适应当地机械环境时的动态结构-功能关系来展示。拟议的研究和教育计划的目标是：(1)开发和展示最先进的集成显微镜系统，将原子力显微镜(AFM)、快速旋转盘(FSD)共焦显微镜和全内反射荧光(TIRF)结合在一起；(2)应用集成的AFM-光学成像技术来研究响应机械力的细胞重组的基本过程中的蛋白质动力学；(3)实施一项教育计划，使高中生，特别是女生和代表性不足的少数群体，接触到生物物理学的进步，目的是提高他们从事科学事业的兴趣；(B)开发一个创新的研究生课程单元，利用互动和视觉技术，帮助生命科学和工程学学生更好地了解高级成像的物理学；以及(C)开发一个关于原子力显微镜理论及其生物学应用的网站，作为一个开源的互动教学工具。该教育计划将通过一个新的节目：周六早间生物物理：影像生活！向高中生介绍这一跨学科研究领域的基础科学概念和亲身体验，重点是女生和少数民族学生！PI还将在这个跨学科的尖端研究项目中指导一名毕业生和两名本科生。