Laser replacements and upgrades for a multi-user spinning disk confocal microscope

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The ability to see where proteins are acting inside cells is critical for understanding the molecular bases of cell biology, multicellular development and disease. Genome sequencing has identified all of the proteins that make up a human, plant or fly, but it is unclear how these proteins interact together to build cells, tissues and organs. By imaging two or three different proteins at the same time, we can predict how they function together to mediate cellular processes. By removing proteins from the system, we can test our predictions by monitoring how other proteins respond. Collecting this information requires advanced imaging technology. The spinning disk confocal microscopy system produced by Quorum Technologies, Guelph, Ontario, provides imaging technology at the cutting edge. It images proteins inside living cells with extremely high resolution in space and time. Its high spatial resolution allows the imaging of multiple proteins at once without interference from other parts of the cell. Its high temporal resolution allows rapid live imaging of proteins inside single cells, or the imaging of entire three-dimensional tissues as they develop over time. These techniques and this instrument are required for advancing research in cell biology and development, and for the training of post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates. This application is for replacement lasers and a replacement computer which are needed to keep our spinning disk confocal microscopy system operational. An upgrade is also requested for enhancing the sensitivity of the system to maintain it at the cutting edge of imaging technology.