Shared Resource in Cellular Imaging

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Abstract The vision of the Cellular Imaging Core of the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) is to provide investigators access to cutting-edge technology, and expert technical support for microscopic observation and analysis of cellular anatomy and physiology that is essential for diverse aspects of our multidisciplinary biomedical research. A major gap in our current imaging systems is acquiring a balance between image quality, throughput, and accessibility. Due to these limitations, researchers at HMRI need to outsource their brightfield and immunofluorescence needs to costly and busy core facilities. Here we propose to overcome these workflow and high-cost limitations by proposing an all-in-one fluorescence microscope, BZ-X800 that has multiple features and will strengthen the cell biology projects in various labs at HMRI. The instrument will be housed in the Cellular Imaging Core facility designated to the second floor of the newly built research building and will accelerate research supported by 5 NIH R01 grants, on robust and quantitative fluorescence and brightfield imaging. The Core will be shared by multiple investigators and will strengthen the undergraduate, STEM and postdoctoral educational programs at HMRI. It will be critical for meeting the goals of ongoing NIH-funded projects, as well as planned future projects. This all-in-one microscope will facilitate our research at unprecedented speeds, and forge new avenues for understanding and treatment of psychiatric, neurological, and heart disease.