ConfoCor 2 Fluorescence Correlation Microscope

描述（由申请人提供）：申请资金用于购买卡尔蔡司公司的ConfoCor 2荧光相关显微镜组合系统。这款最先进的仪器将激光扫描共聚焦显微镜（LSM）与专用检测头、电子设备和荧光相关光谱（FCS）测量软件相结合。ConfoCor 2特别适合于细胞上的FCS测量，LSM提供了相对于细胞结构定位测量体积的极好方法。过滤器、孔径和标本位置的软件和自动控制有助于对生物系统进行快速灵活的测量。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Funds are requested to purchase a ConfoCor 2 Fluorescence Correlation Microscope combination system from Carl Zeiss, Inc. This state-of-the-art instrument combines a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSM) with a special purpose detection head, electronics, and software for Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) measurements. The ConfoCor 2 is especially well suited for FCS measurements on cells for which the LSM provides an excellent means of locating the measurement volume relative to cell structures. The software and automated control of filters, apertures, and specimen location facilitate rapid and flexible measurements on biological systems. Studies now in progress and in planning that will employ the ConfoCor 2 include the following: 1. Conformational fluctuations of proteins in the native state; 2. Restricted diffusion of matrix metalloprotease enzyme molecules on oriented collagen fibers; 3. Interactions of actin capping protein and Arp2/3 complex with actin filaments in cells; 4. Conformational fluctuations of flexible macromolecules such as DNA and unfolded polypeptides; 5. Binding constants of the signal transduction intermediates MEK and ERK in living cells. Projects 1 and 4 address fundamental problems in molecular biophysics. Projects 2, 3, and 5 address important issues relating to cell-tissue interactions, cell motility, and essential cellular regulatory mechanism. Each project has significant potential for contributions to health-related research.