Microscopy Tools for developmental and behavioural studies in vertebrate (Xenopus & Zebrafish) model organisms.

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This application requests funding for a stereomicroscopy system to manipulate and visualize the appearance, behaviours, and development of embryos from diverse vertebrate species (fish, frogs). The applicants represent a group of mid-career to senior investigators with expertise in cell & developmental biology, animal physiology and aquatic toxicology. As Cell & Developmental Biologists, Drs. Daniel & Wilson primarily require a stereomicroscope and camera system to manipulate and monitor fish and frog embryo development, and to determine how cells within the growing embryo integrate various signals to elicit the specific responses that will produce tissues and organs with specific functions or react to various pharmacologic treatments. The requested stereomicroscopy system is configured to suit our diverse needs for an ergonomic, high-resolution digital imaging, and image archiving system to enhance our research productivity and data reproducibility. The stereomicroscopy system will be used primarily for embryo microinjections and screening of developing embryos, and to take videos of embryos under magnification. Since we are analyzing non-sterile aquatic species (fish & frogs) and there is currently a bottleneck for experimentation, we need a dedicated, stereomicroscopy system that is separate and distinct from currently available stereomicroscopy systems in the McMaster Biology Dept. that are used for mammalian tissue culture. Collectively a minimum of 12 HQP from our labs will utilize and benefit from the acquisition of this infrastructure.