Fluorescence stereomicroscope for molecular embryology research

我们在研究中要解决的一个基本问题是，不同类型的细胞如何在发育的最早阶段获得其独特的身份和功能，以及它们如何组织成身体的组织。该提案的研究人员研究控制各种动物模型系统中基因表达，细胞运动，增殖和分化的细胞和分子机制。这涉及分析基因组的结构如何在不同的细胞类型中组织，不同的基因如何指导上皮层的形成及其在发育过程中的动态重排，干细胞如何根据它们被编程形成的组织类型增殖和分化，以及细胞及其环境的关系如何在正常发育或疾病状态下塑造组织的行为，例如癌症。荧光蛋白的引入彻底改变了细胞和发育生物学领域。它代表了一种强大而有效的工具，用于识别单个基因的活性或标记细胞及其所有后代的位置，因为它可以在活组织中直接可视化。该提案的目的是为购买荧光立体显微镜筹集资金。该显微镜结合了高光学分辨率和对荧光蛋白发射光的高灵敏度，这对于研究小生物样品（如单个细胞或微小胚胎）至关重要。此外，我们将提高研究生产力，并允许新的和创新的实验，否则是不可行的。对拟议的最先进的荧光立体显微镜的需求量很大，因为六个研究小组总共有25名以上的受训人员，他们目前使用这种设备的机会非常有限。荧光立体显微镜将有助于更好地了解不同组织中特化细胞发育过程中的基因功能，并最终有助于提高我们对发育机制以及它们在疾病中如何改变的理解。

A fundamental question that we are addressing in our research is how do different cell types acquire their unique identities and functions during the earliest stages of development and how do they organize themselves into the tissues of the body. The investigators of this proposal study the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control gene expression, cell movement, proliferation and differentiation in various animal model systems. This involves analyzing how the structure of the genome is organized in different cell types, how different genes guide the formation of epithelial layers and their dynamic rearrangements during development, how stem cells proliferate and differentiate depending on the type of tissue they are programmed to form, and how the relationship of cells and their environment shape the behaviour of tissues during normal development or in disease states, such as cancer. The introduction of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized the field of cell and developmental biology. It represents a powerful and efficient tool for identifying the activity of individual genes or marking the position of a cell and all of its descendants as it can be directly visualized in living tissues. The aim of this proposal is to secure funding for the purchase of a fluorescence stereomicroscope. This microscope combines high optical resolution with high sensitivity for fluorescent protein emitted light, which is essential for studies of small biological samples, such as individual cells or tiny embryos. Furthermore, we will enhance research productivity and allow new and innovative experiments that would not be feasible otherwise. The proposed state of the art fluorescence stereomicroscope will be in high demand as the six research groups combined have over 25 trainees that currently have very limited access to such equipment. The fluorescence stereomicroscope will contribute to a better understanding of gene function during the development of specialized cells in different tissues, and ultimately help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of development and how they are altered in disease.