Automated multi-channel fluorescence imaging system for extended time lapse and image stitching analyses.

自从伽利略·伽利莱改进和组装了第一台显微镜以来，显微镜一直是科学领域，特别是生物和生命科学领域关键发现的中心。多年来，显微镜的成像能力有所提高，成像系统通常允许从分子到整个生物体水平的生物标本检查。大多数研究都考察了固定细胞和组织中的生物现象；然而，最近在荧光标记或蛋白质结合方面的进展使研究人员能够实时监测动态事件。所要求的资金将用于一个活体细胞成像系统，该系统带有一个舞台上的环境室，以实现延时荧光成像。这种独特的成像设备的一个关键因素是延长了在无菌和特定于标本的最佳生长条件下监测细胞和组织的时间框架，这是通过舞台孵化室实现的。该成像系统将使我们能够：(1)监测细胞外信号分子，如激素与其细胞膜结合受体之间的相互作用和耦合；(2)研究水孔蛋白对水矿平衡至关重要的水运输通道；(3)通过对能量储存和耗散的时间历程研究，可视化能量代谢的异常；(4)研究鱼类胃肠道变态并研究环境变化的影响；以及(5)阐明脊椎动物紧密连接(TJ)复合体响应内分泌因素控制TJ蛋白掺入(或移除)的时间变化。该设备将使我们能够使用荧光探针(例如绿色荧光蛋白，GFP)来监测活细胞和生物体中的生物相互作用和事件。这一最先进的成像系统将显著扩大每一位共同申请者的研究能力(跨越两个不同的学院，科学和卫生)。最重要的是，这个系统对于HQP学员理解生物过程的动态本质以及生物结构和功能之间的联系将是至关重要的。

Since the refinement and assembly of the first microscope by Galileo Galilei, the microscope has been at the center of critical discoveries in Science, particularly in the Biological and Life Sciences. Imaging capabilities of microscopes have advanced over the years and imaging systems routinely permit the examination of biological specimens from the molecular to whole organism level. Most studies have examined biological phenomena in fixed cells and tissues; however, recent advances in fluorescent tagging or conjugation of proteins have enabled researchers to monitor dynamic events as they occur in real time. The requested funds will be used for a live-cell imaging system with an on stage environmental chamber to enable time-lapse fluorescence imaging. A critical element to this unique imaging equipment is the extended time frame for monitoring cells and tissues under sterile and specimen-specific optimal growth conditions that is made possible with the on stage incubation chamber. This imaging system will allow us to (i) monitor interactions and coupling between extracellular signalling molecules such as hormones and their cell membrane-bound receptors; (ii) examine and characterize water-transporting channels known as aquaporins, critical for hydromineral balance; (iii) visualize abnormalities in energy metabolism through time-course studies on energy storage and dissipation; (iv) study gastrointestinal tract metamorphosis in fish and examine the influence of environmental change; and (v) elucidate temporal alterations in the physiology of the vertebrate tight junctions (TJ) complex in response to endocrine factors controlling the incorporation (or removal) of TJ proteins. This equipment will allow us to monitor biological interactions and events in living cells and organisms using fluorescent probes (e.g. green fluorescent protein, GFP). This state-of-the-art imaging system will significantly expand the research capacity of each of the co-applicants (across two separate Faculties, Science and Health). Most importantly, this system will be critical for HQP trainees to understand the dynamic nature of biological processes and the linkage between biological structure and function.