Upgrade for delta vision imaging system

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The form and function of organisms is determined by precisely controlled cell division, differentiation and death. Ongoing research in numerous laboratories is revealing that the primary cilium, until recently considered a vestigial organelle for most cells, is the site of the integration of signals that determine the fate of individual cells. The Quarmby is concerned with understanding how the cilium regulates cell division and the Leroux lab studies ciliogenesis and the composition of cilia. Both groups have made discoveries that impact our understanding of a family of human diseases known as ciliopathies. The DeltaVision Imaging station (DV), which was purchased in 2002 with very large grants from the CFI New Opportunities program and from the BC Knowledge Development fund, is a cornerstone of ciliary research at SFU. The DV is a high-end integrated epi-fluorescence microscopy system that includes a unique illumination system which provides an even light source with capability of rapid changes in excitation and emission filters, a stage that can be controlled with very high and repeatable motion in three dimensions, a microscope with superb optics, and an integrated workstation that controls the light source, the stage, the optics and image capture by a cooled charge-coupled device camera. Out-of-focus light is removed by deconvolution. With this system we have achieved stunning images and made significant discoveries. After five years of extremely heavy use, the equipment is showing its age. Some parts are worn and others are obsolete. The DV is essential for our continued production of high quality cell biological research and the upgrade is absolutely required to keep it in working order.