Cell and Molecular Imaging Core (CMI)

细胞和分子成像（CMI）核心的目标是为RFK-IDDRC的研究人员提供光学、电子和相关显微镜技术和图像处理方面的全面专家指导、培训和协助，同时提供昂贵的最先进设备。鉴于该核心在生物学研究中的广泛和基本适用性，预计IDDRC的绝大多数研究人员将使用该核心。这个核心，以前被称为形态核心，已经在爱因斯坦存在了20多年，从两个宽视场光学显微镜和一个电子显微镜发展到一个

The goal of the Cell and Molecular Imaging (CMI) Core is to provide RFK-IDDRC investigators with a comprehensive package of expert guidance, training and assistance in optical, electron and related microscopy techniques and image processing, together with access to costly state-of-the-art equipment. It is expected that the vast majority of IDDRC investigators will make use of this Core given its widespread and fundamental applicability to biological studies. This Core, previously known as the Morphology Core, has existed at Einstein for over 20 years, and has grown from two widefield light microscopes and one electron microscope to a compendium of multiple facilities. Its recognized broad utility to investigators also garnered generous financial support from the Department of Neuroscience, both to sustain personnel as well as to provide for purchase of additional equipment during the absence of NICHD-sponsored center funding. This permitted continued Core growth and uninterrupted service to investigators both inside and outside of the Kennedy Center. Core resources include specialized widefield microscopes and electron microscopes that are utilized for a wide array of specimens and purposes by IDDRC investigators. Samples come from a variety of animal species and include cells, tissue sections or slices, organotypic preparations or whole organisms. Specific microscopy goals for IDDRC investigators are diverse and include studies focused on areas such as cell organization or cytoarchitecture, intracellular organelle distribution, and changes in pathologic markers. Live cell or tissue imaging studies are also carried out, including tracer studies for analysis of organelle transport and turnover. All studies benefit from expert advice and assistance from experienced Core personnel followed by comprehensive image acquisition and analysis. Utility of the Core is further extended by its provision of equipment for high-resolution laser-assisted dissection for gene expression and proteomic studies on tissue and cell preparations, and biolistic technology for facile delivery of naked DNA constructs. The goal is not only to facilitate high-end equipment use, but also to educate and provide highly personalized advice and support to investigators on all relevant methods from initial specimen preparation to final packaging of data for publication or presentation.