Leica Stellaris 8 Confocal for Imaging Core

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The University of Maryland College Park (UMD) requests $600,000 to purchase a critically-needed Leica Stellaris 8 FALCON (FAst Lifetime CONtrast) laser scanning confocal microscope. A diverse base of 14 Life Science researchers (12 of whom are NIH-funded), who are all making significant and pioneering contributions to cross- disciplinary research at the interface between cell biology, molecular biology neurobiology, developmental biology, immunology, and host-pathogen interactions, will immediately benefit from the transformative imaging capabilities of the instrument. Need for the instrument is great, as it will replace a well-used 14-year-old Leica SP5x confocal that can no longer be upgraded and will lose guaranteed service support at the end of 2022. The IC currently houses two other confocal systems, a 13-year-old Zeiss LSM 710 and a Zeiss LSM 980 Airyscan 2, but the existing systems at UMD cannot accommodate all the imaging needs of the current SP5x users plus the anticipated future needs of the major and minor users on this proposal, many of whom are starting new imaging projects. The requested instrument is specifically designed to maintain the capabilities of the existing SP5x, plus provide new cutting-edge technologies needed to enhance the users’ NIH-funded research beyond what is currently possible via any other imaging system on campus. The Stellaris 8 will be equipped with a next- generation pulsed white light laser, multiple high-efficiency Power HyD detectors, and integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) software and support. The Stellaris 8 will be housed and maintained in the well- established Imaging Core (IC), which is managed by an experienced facility director and is accessible to all UMD faculty, students, and their collaborators. The IC makes significant contributions to NIH-supported research at UMD by providing extensive imaging services ranging from advice on sample preparation to comprehensive instrument training and assistance with image acquisition. The requested scanning confocal microscope will advance current knowledge on a broad range of research projects, including host-pathogen interactions, the molecular composition of synaptic connections in mammalian visual circuits, regulation of neuromodulatory transmitters, protein trafficking, cell-cell communication, and the biology of extracellular RNAs. UMD has dedicated significant matching funds toward the purchase of the instrument and operational support. Furthermore, support at the departmental level will ensure that the instrument is covered under a service contract for the lifetime of the instrument.