ConfoCor 2 Fluorescence Correlation Microscope

描述(由申请人提供)：需要资金从Carl Zeiss，Inc.购买ConfoCor 2荧光相关显微镜组合系统。这一最先进的仪器结合了激光扫描共聚焦显微镜(LSM)和特殊用途的检测头、电子设备和荧光相关光谱(FCS)测量软件。ConfoCor 2特别适用于电池上的FCS测量，LSM提供了一种很好的方法来定位相对于电池结构的测量体积。滤光片、光圈和样品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。 目前正在进行和计划中的研究将采用ConfoCor 2，包括： 1.天然状态下蛋白质的构象波动； 2.基质金属蛋白酶分子在取向型胶原纤维上的扩散受限； 3.肌动蛋白封端蛋白和Arp2/3复合体与细胞内肌动蛋白细丝的相互作用； 4.DNA、未折叠多肽等柔性大分子的构象波动； 5.活细胞内信号转导中间产物MEK和ERK的结合常数。 项目1和4解决了分子生物物理学中的基本问题。项目2、3和5解决与细胞-组织相互作用、细胞运动和基本细胞调控机制有关的重要问题。每个项目都有为健康相关研究做出贡献的巨大潜力。

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.