LCM Instrument, Arcturus XT-TI

描述（由申请人提供）：我们正在申请最先进的激光捕获显微镜（LCM）作为机构支持的LCM核心设施的开创性仪器，旨在为康涅狄格大学内广泛的生物学科提供服务。作为康涅狄格生物科学概念的一部分，我们的大学正在经历来自国家的大量资本和运营资金的注入。这项投资的直接结果是杰克逊实验室决定在人类癌症基因组学方面进行重大研究。康涅狄格大学与JAX的合作关系延伸到他们位于缅因州的小鼠基因研究项目。为了满足这个资金充足和广泛的用户群体日益增长的需求，Arcturus XTTM型仪器将能够基于免疫荧光成像，该成像建立在核心主任Joel Pachter博士开发的激光捕获样品PCR分析的基础上。这种特殊的模型在所有LCM仪器中是独一无二的，目前具有红外和紫外激光容量，为用户提供最大的灵活性，在细胞采集。该技术将扩展到捕获组织或细胞培养中表达GFP和各种荧光酶染色的细胞，可以使用Ion Torrent平台进行广泛的RNAseq分析。基于多路复用荧光信号和计算机定义的目标选择的目标捕获能力将允许灵活的生长，因为新的组织源被分析。核心将培训用户操作仪器，并向他们介绍工作流程，包括广泛的RNA表达和生物信息学表征。服务核心费用的财务和合规方面将由现有试剂和通用仪器核心（Molecular Store）处理，由LCM核心的联合主管（D. Rowe）指导，使用服务器控制的软件程序，该程序很容易适应LCM核心的活动。已经设立了一个经验丰富的咨询委员会，以确保最佳地利用和注意该文书的新应用。在实现LCM核心理念的过程中，我们将以LCM与RNAseq相结合的理念，成为一个卓越的生命技术中心。这一称号标志着我们成为我校以外项目的典范，并使我们能够参与到LCM平台新应用的开发和实施中。我们有基本的机构支持，技术专长，新应用的窗口，以及适当的运营和财务经验，以提供大量利用和快速发展的核心设施，这将支持我们的研究人员在资金和项目开发方面取得更大的成功。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We are requesting a state of the art laser capture microscope (LCM) as the seminal instrument for an institutionally supported LCM core facility designed to service a broad spectrum of biological disciplines within the University of Connecticut. Our University is experiencing a major infusion of capital and operational funds from the State as part of the concept called Bioscience Connecticut. An immediate consequence of this investment was the decision by the Jackson Laboratories to establish a major research effort in the genomics of human cancer. This UCONN/JAX affiliation extends to their mouse genetic research programs located in Maine. To meet the increasing demands of this well-funded and broad user group, the instrument, Arcturus model XTTM, will be capable of immunofluorescence-based imaging that builds on the foundation for PCR analysis of laser captured samples developed by the core director, Dr. Joel Pachter. This particular model is unique among all LCM instruments currently available in having both infrared and ultraviolet laser capacities, providing users the greatest flexibility in cell acquisition. The technology willbe extended to capture cells within tissue or cell culture expressing GFP and a variety of fluorescence-based enzyme stains from which an extensive RNAseq analysis can be performed using an Ion Torrent platform. Capabilities for target capture based on multiplexing fluorescence signal and computer defined target selection will allow for flexible growth as new tissue sources are analyzed. The core will train users in the operation of the instrument and introduce them to a workflow that includes extensive RNA expression and bioinformatics characterization. The financial and compliance aspects of this fee for service core will be handled by existing reagent and common instrument core (Molecular Store) directed by the co-director of the LCM core (D. Rowe) using a server controlled software program that is easily adapted to activities of the LCM core. An experienced advisory committee has been established to ensure optimal utilization and attention to emerging applications of the instrument. In the process of implementing our LCM core concept, we will become a Life Technology Center of Excellence for our concept of linking LCM and RNAseq. This designation identifies us as a model for programs outside our University, and enables us to be involved in the development and implementation of new applications of the LCM platform. We have the fundamentals of institutional support, technical expertise, window to new applications, and the operational and financial experience in place to provide a heavily utilized and rapidly evolving core facility that will support even greater succes of our research faculty for funding and program development.