MRI: Aquisition of a Time-Resolved Confocal Microscope for Research and Education

通过主要研究仪器（MRI）和化学研究仪器和设施（CRIF）计划的这一奖项，蒙大拿大学将获得时间分辨共聚焦显微镜。 该仪器由脉冲激光光源和显微镜组成。 显微镜检测光源照射后样品发出的光（荧光）。该仪器便于使用时间分辨荧光技术对细胞复合物进行单分子的研究。它将用于化学，生物化学和生物科学中分子和生物分子相互作用和机制的研究。该仪器将用于本科生和研究生在他们的研究。这项培训将帮助他们在未来的职业生涯中，荧光显微镜技术被广泛用于生物技术和材料行业。此次收购将用于推广活动，包括招募美国原住民学生的计划。该提案旨在加强各级研究和教育，特别是在以下领域：（a）研究固定化双功能催化剂、光催化剂和金属传感器;（B）研究细胞色素c在心磷脂纳米盘上的结合和动力学;（c）研究生物胺、细胞外基质和神经元发育;（d）研究干细胞调节剂FBF-2在C. elegans;以及（e）研究Ric-8A激活G蛋白的机制和动力学。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) programs, the University of Montana will acquire a time-resolved confocal microscope. The instrument consists of a pulsed laser light source and a microscope. The microscope detects the light that is emitted (fluorescence) from a sample after irradiation by the light source. The instrument facilitates investigation of cellular complexes down to single-molecules using time-resolved fluorescence techniques. It will be used in the investigation of molecular and biomolecular interactions and mechanisms in the chemical, biochemical and biological sciences. The instrument will be used by undergraduate and graduate students in their research. This training will assist them in future careers as fluorescence microscopy techniques are widely used in the biotechnology and materials industry. The acquisition will be used in outreach activities including programs to recruit Native American students. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) studying immobilized bifunctional catalysts, photocatalysts and metal sensors; (b) studying binding and dynamics of cytochrome c on cardiolipin nanodiscs; (c) investigating biogenic amines, the extracellular matrix, and neuronal development; (d) investigating the mechanisms for dynamic localization of stem cell regulator FBF-2 in C. elegans; and (e) studying the mechanism and dynamics of G-protein activation by Ric-8A.