Advanced microscopy system for real-time imaging of cellular dynamics during animal development

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****** Dr. Julie Brill's cutting-edge research program aims to understand the molecular process by which cells change shape (undergo morphogenesis) and differentiate during development. A main focus of her lab is to investigate mechanisms that control cell morphogenesis and differentiation during sperm development, a process that is essential for male fertility. Dr. Brill's lab uses the powerful molecular genetics and well-characterized cell biology of the fruit fly model system (Drosophila melanogaster) to characterize the dramatic changes that accompany formation of mature sperm. Using microscopes, her lab can examine defects that occur when the sperm maturation process is compromised in infertile flies. Dr. Brill is one of the few scientists world-wide that are studying the cell biology of Drosophila sperm development. ****** This proposal requests crucial equipment for Dr. Brill's lab (2016 NSERC Discovery Grant recipient). A comprehensive microscopy system, including an inverted fluorescence microscope and high-sensitivity camera, are requested to enable Dr. Brill's lab to continue NSERC-funded research. This new microscope will be outfitted for long-term live- and 3D-imaging of differentiating cells and tissues in real time, revealing unprecedented subcellular detail. For example, through imaging fluorescently-tagged RNA molecules, proteins and lipids, Dr. Brill's lab will examine how these are regulated during cell morphogenesis to ensure the production of mature, fertile sperm. This equipment will also permit quantitative imaging of cultured cells and tissues, allowing for rapid screening to identify factors that control specific pathways involved in cell morphogenesis and differentiation. ****** The proposed equipment will maximize the investment of Dr. Brill's NSERC Discovery Grant and enable state-of-the art technology for studying the dynamics and subcellular architecture of cell morphogenesis and differentiation during development. This equipment is urgently needed, as Dr. Brill's current microscope is 18 years old and can no longer be repaired or serviced. Moreover, due to the need for rapid access to the microscope, as well as the duration of long-term live imaging experiments, her lab cannot use other microscopes located elsewhere in the building to conduct this research. The equipment will contribute to training a group of highly qualified personnel (undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) to combine sophisticated molecular genetic approaches with equally sophisticated microscope imaging techniques to uncover novel cellular mechanisms that will further our understanding of fundamental processes involved in animal development and male fertility.*****