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

我们正在申请资金用于一个可配置的系统，该系统将自动化数字宽视野显微镜与传统的多模式微孔板阅读相结合，在此称为Cytation 5。Cytation 5能够提供表型细胞信息和基于良好基础的定量数据，改善了传统上需要多种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资助的研究计划的核心，旨在了解行为的分子和遗传决定因素。Cytation 5是必要的，以便我们现代化我们的成像能力;满足我们的学员不断增长的需求;并最大限度地提高我们的研究效率和原创性。Cytation 5将为我们提供明场、相衬和落射荧光功能，以便我们能够识别、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。Cytation 5是围绕多模式酶标仪构建的，这将扩展我们的能力，包括ELISA，FRET和荧光素酶测定等技术，从而实现无与伦比的多功能性和性能。作为一种恭维，我们还要求额外的资金购买一个低温恒温器，以取代旧的非工作徕卡模型。我们迫切需要低温恒温器，以提高我们的组织处理能力;目前我们部门有一个功能性低温恒温器，由5个实验室共享。所要求的设备将被安置在我们的共享研究设施内，并将由PI研究团队进行维护。我们的部门最近经历了一个增长阶段，对现有和旧设备的需求已成为研究生产力的障碍。目前有大量项目依赖于显微镜、成像和定量细胞分析，预计拟议的成套工具将直接支持每年培训25-30名学生/受训人员。

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.