Cellular Imaging and Electron Microscopy Shared Resource

PROJECT SUMMARY: CELLULAR IMAGING & ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SHARED RESOURCE The Cellular Imaging and Electron Microscopy Shared Resource (CI&EMSR) of the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium provides support with a broad range of advanced imaging and quantitative image analysis technologies for probing the structure and function of proteins, cells, tissues, and model organisms from the molecular to the cellular level. Transmitted light and fluorescence microscopy modalities include confocal, deconvolution, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), super- resolution, whole slide scanning, lightsheet, and high-content screening. Additional services include imaging and quantitative analysis of gels and blots. Light microscopy services are under the leadership of Dr. Lena Schroeder (associate director) who is assisted by two staff members (2 FTE). Electron microscopy (EM) technologies allow researchers to elucidate biological structures ranging from cellular ultrastructure to molecular interactions. Supported techniques include transmission and scanning EM (TEM & SEM), EM sample preparation, and recently added cryogenic EM (cryoEM) services. The TEM and SEM services enable support for biomedical and translational research projects and the cryoEM services enable structure elucidation for macromolecular protein complexes. The electron microscopy services are under the leadership of Theo Humphreys, MS, (associate director) and Dr. Melody CampbellCBB (scientific director) who are assisted by two staff members (2 FTE). Since the last renewal, CI&EMSR has responded to Consortium feedback and added new technologies to respond to investigator needs. The electron microscopy support now includes cryoEM with the hiring of Theo Humphreys and Dr. Campbell and Dr. Anvesh Dasari, all focused on this service line. Two new electron microscopes were incorporated into the core in 2021, along with requisite sample preparation equipment to support these efforts. Light microscopy services have grown to include two full-time staff scientists, Dr. Schroeder and Dr. Julien Dubrulle, with super-resolution and image analysis specialties, respectively, to work with users and fully support their imaging from conceptualization to quantification to publication. For the period FY19-23, CI&EMSR provided services to 148 research groups representing all the Consortium’s research programs and supported 88 peer- reviewed publications. In FY23 alone, CI&EMSR supported 64 research grants. CI&EMSR supports and accelerates cancer research by providing leading edge instrumentation and expertise, training users new to each technique, and working closely with researchers utilizing all supported technologies.