Cell Science Imaging

PROJECT SUMMARY The Cell Sciences Imaging Shared Resource (CSI-SR) provides high-resolution, state-of-the-art imaging technologies for studying the molecular and structural organization of cells, tissue, and bio-engineered materials. In addition to the Director, the CSI-SR is staffed by seven full-time staff scientists who have expertise and training in electron and light microscopy. The CSI-SR is organized into three interdependent resources: (1) Fluorescence Microscopy Core (FMC), (2) Electron Microscopy Core (EMC), and (3) the Multiplex and Array Tomography Core (MAC). The CSI-SR provides imaging services to SCI members in two locations across Stanford's campus, the School of Medicine (Beckman Center) and the School of Engineering Shriram Center (Bioengineering). The two facilities house seven advanced imaging systems that provide confocal, deconvolution, 2-photon, lattice light sheet, and super-resolution (SIM, gSTED) fluorescent light microscopy technologies, a bio-AFM as well as two- electron microscopes for biological TEM and SEM imaging. Additionally, the CSI-SR provides access to training and support on advanced software resources for 3D, 4D interactive, volume imaging of data sets (Improvision’s Volocity, Bitplane’s Imaris), as well as advanced deconvolution software packages (SoftWoRx, and SVI Huygens). Image analysis is further supported by the CSI-SR’s image analysis pipeline development service. Members of all programs regularly use the CSI-SR, with the heaviest use coming from the Cancer Biology and Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Therapeutics programs. In 2020, 35% of users were SCI investigators. The CSI- SR contributed to over 18 cancer-focused publications (5 high-impact). The annual budget of the CSI-SR is $1,340,953, yet the CCSG request is $103,390. Accordingly, the CI-SR leverages extensive institutional support and seeks only 8% from CCSG funds.