MRI-R2: Acquisition of TIRF microscope for studies of RNA transport and cell surface processes

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This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).Funds from the Major Research Instrumentation-Recovery and Reinvestment (MRI-R2) program have been awarded to support the acquisition of a TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Microscopy) microscope at the Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY Hunter College). TIRF is an emerging technology used by researchers to probe single molecules in biological samples, both in living cells and in fixed preparations. In addition, TIRF can be used to probe in vitro preparations containing cell extracts or purified molecular components with fluorescence characteristics compatible with the system. The research enabled by the new microscope will help refine the models of RNA transport, and improve understanding of cell-cell signaling in eukaryotes, and neuronal development. The new microscope is also being used to provide undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to do research and learn innovative, leading-edge fluorescence imaging techniques. Hunter College of the City University of New York is a minority-serving institution, with a full commitment to research and teaching. The College is committed to increasing the opportunities for under-represented minority researchers, women, and people with disabilities to pursue scientific careers in areas of biological research by providing an environment of excellence and active research. The faculty involved with this project actively recruit students from groups underrepresented in science to be involved in their research, and are using the system to expand a course in fluorescence microscopy at Hunter College. Results from the studies performed with the TIRF system will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and disseminated through student and faculty presentations at regional and national meetings.