Confocal laser-scanning microscope with STED super-resolution mode

具有STED超分辨率模式的共聚焦激光扫描显微镜将取代已有9年历史的显微镜，同时在TU Kaiserslau建立活细胞和超分辨率显微镜。我们的目标是对神经系统和其他细胞系统的细胞和亚细胞结构进行定量和定性分析。我们的重点是研究突触形成、稳定性和可塑性的分子和细胞基础。这些过程与我们对学习和记忆的理解有关，并将为深入了解进行性神经退行性疾病的细胞和亚细胞原因提供新的见解。为了实现这些目标，显微镜应该覆盖以下应用：1.以最佳分辨率对固定组织进行最先进的定量和定性分析。2.活细胞成像和FRAP分析，以确定活体细胞过程的动力学。3.超分辨率成像(&lt；50 nm)，揭示固定的和活的组织和动物中亚细胞、纳米过程的基础。这三种应用的独特结合将使细胞神经生物学领域的研究具有竞争力。同时，它将在杜克大学凯泽斯劳滕大学的生物系建立超分辨率显微镜，这将对未来许多不同的研究项目至关重要。

The confocal laser-scanning microscope with STED super-resolution mode will replace a 9-year old microscope while at the same time establishing live-cell and super-resolution microscopy at the TU Kaiserslautern.Our aim is to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of cellular and sub-cellular structures of the nervous system and of additional cellular systems. Our focus is the investigation of the molecular and cellular bases of synapse formation, stability and plasticity. These processes are relevant for our understanding of learning and memory and will provide new insights into the cellular and sub-cellular causes of progressive neurodegenerative disease.To achieve these goals, the microscope should cover the following applications: 1. State-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative analyses of fixed tissue at best possible resolution. 2. Live-cell imaging and FRAP-analysis to determine the dynamics of cellular processes in vivo. 3. Super-resolution imaging (< 50 nm) to unravel the basis of sub-cellular, nanoscopic processes in fixed and living tissue and animals.The unique combination of these three applications will enable competitive research in the filed of cellular neurobiology. At the same time, it will establish super-resolution microscopy at the department of biology of the TU Kaiserslautern which will be essential for numerous different research projects in the future.