An advanced cell imaging multi-mode reader and cryostat for diverse research programs

我们正在申请资金用于一种可配置的系统，该系统将自动数字宽视场显微镜与传统的多模式微孔板读数相结合，这里称为Cytation5。Cytation5具有提供细胞表型信息和基于良好定量数据的能力，改善了传统上需要多个仪器和软件接口的工作流程。成像系统和多模式阅读器将是我们nserc资助的研究项目的核心，旨在了解行为的分子和遗传决定因素。为了使我们的成像能力现代化，Cytation5是必要的；满足学员日益增长的需求；最大限度地提高我们的研究效率和独创性。Cytation5将为我们提供明场、相衬和外显荧光能力，使我们能够识别、测量和监测各种组织和活细胞中的神经元激活、受体调节和荧光团。Cytation5是围绕多模式微孔板读取器构建的，这将扩展我们的能力，包括ELISA， FRET和荧光素酶测定等技术，允许无与伦比的多功能性和性能。作为一种恭维，我们也要求额外的资金购买低温恒温器，以取代旧的不能工作的徕卡模型。我们迫切需要低温恒温器，以提高我们的组织处理能力；目前本系有1台功能低温恒温器，由5个实验室共用。所要求的设备将被安置在我们共享的研究设施内，并将由pi研究团队维护。我们部门最近经历了一个增长阶段，对现有和旧设备的需求已经成为研究生产力的障碍。目前有大量的项目依赖于显微镜、成像和定量细胞分析，预计拟议的工具套件每年将直接支持25-30名学生/学员的培训。

We are requesting funds for a configurable system that combines automated digital widefield microscopy with conventional multi-mode microplate reading, herein referred to as the Cytation5. The Cytation5 has the capability to provide phenotypic cellular information and well-based quantitative data, improving workflows that would traditionally require multiple instruments and software interfaces. The imaging system and multimode reader will be central to our NSERC-funded research programs that aim to understand the molecular and genetic determinants of behaviour. The Cytation5 is necessary so that we modernize our imaging capabilities; meet the growing needs of our trainees; and maximize our research efficiency and originality. The Cytation5 will give us brightfield, phase-contrast and epi-fluorescence capabilities so that we can identify, measure and monitor neuronal activation, receptor regulation and fluorophores in a wide array of tissue and live cells. The Cytation5 is built around a multi-mode microplate reader, which will expand our capabilities to include techniques such as ELISA, FRET and luciferase assays, allowing for unmatched versatility and performance. As a compliment, we are also requesting additional funds for the purchase of a cryostat to replace an older non-working Leica model. The cryostat is urgently needed so that we may enhance our tissue processing capabilities; currently our Department has one functional cryostat that is shared among 5 labs. The requested equipment will be housed within our shared research facilities and will be maintained by the PIs research team. Our department has recently gone through a growth phase and the demand on existing and older equipment has become a hurdle to research productivity. An abundance of projects currently depend on microscopy, imaging and quantitative cellular analysis and it is expected that the proposed suite of tools will directly support the training of 25-30 students/trainees annually.