Core C: Microscopy

Abstract/Summary Core C: Microscopy. Purpose: The BIDC (Biological Imaging Development Center) Microscopy Core assembles, tests, and applies advanced light microscopy and image analysis technologies, providing standard and custom light microscopy approaches and data analysis to the DRC community, with the lowest possible barrier of entry. From 2021-2024, laboratories affiliated with the proposed type 1 diabetes centered DRC user group averaged nearly 4000 hours of Microscopy Core use per year. The Microscopy Core maintains several high-end microscope systems including two Leica SP8 and one Leica Stellaris laser-scanning confocal microscopes, a Nikon CSU-W1/SoRa super-resolution spinning disk confocal microscope, a home-built and a commercial Nikon A1R multiphoton microscope as well as several lower end microscope systems and custom solutions such as a homebuilt lattice light sheet microscope, and image analysis workstations. High value services offered by the Microscopy Core include but are not limited to: · Access to and customized training for advanced confocal and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy. · Access to innovative new technology currently developed or pursued by the Microscopy Core. · Access to tissue slicing and histology services and whole mouse body imaging. · Access to high end image analysis and customized expertise in post-acquisition data analysis. DRC users will receive comprehensive individual training on Microscopy Core instruments and image processing stations that reflects their experience, aptitude, and needs at a reduced cost. In addition, the DRC Microscopy Core offers consultation to DRC investigators free of charge to assist specifically with diabetes-related microscopy projects, such as for example the development of live pancreatic islet imaging under perfusion conditions. Benefits to the DRC Community: The Microscopy Core provides DRC investigators access to advanced imaging technology in a practical and economic fashion. For this funding cycle, 25 different DRC laboratories with a variety of diabetes-related projects and grant support totaling more than $12.8M in annual direct costs will benefit from the Microscopy Core. Technology Development: The Microscopy Core continues to evolve to meet demand and aggressively pursue implementation of state-of-the-art innovative technologies. Ongoing development projects include commercial and homebuilt light sheet systems for large volume cleared tissue specimens such as whole mouse pancreas or human biopsies, and live organoid microscopy, advanced multiphoton microscopy, and spatial proteomics and multiplex immunofluorescence platforms.