Microscopy Core

Project/Summary Abstract (Microscopy Core) The overall goal of the Microscopy Core is to provide Indiana Diabetes Research Center (IDRC) investigators with effective access to advanced methods of light microscopy that have been optimized for metabolic tissues. These powerful techniques include intravital microscopy and CODEX (CO-Detection by indEXing) imaging, developed during the previous grant period, and newly established techniques within the Core, including FLIM (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging), expansion microscopy, and lightsheet microscopy. The Microscopy Core utilizes the extensive facilities of the Indiana Center for Biological Microscopy (ICBM), the Indiana University School of Medicine’s well-established core microscopy facility. The Core is equipped with three point-scanning confocal/multiphoton excitation microscopes and two Phenocycler-Fusion multiplex fluorescent imaging systems, as well as a spinning-disk confocal microscope and multiple digital workstations supporting quantitative two- and three-dimensional image analysis. The Core is fully equipped to support intravital microscopy, providing investigators with space in a surgical suite containing all necessary supplies for surgery, anesthesia, and animal monitoring. The Microscopy Core benefits not only from the extensive facilities of the ICBM, but also from the reliable performance of systems maintained by ICBM staff and continuously supported with manufacturers’ service contracts. Specifically, the Core will apply and adapt methods of intravital microscopy and CODEX developed internally and within the ICBM and the IDRC. Beyond the equipment and resources already in place, the ICBM recently purchased an Alpenglow Biosciences lightsheet microscope, which will be used in the next phase of development for new planned offerings in the Microscopy Core. The Microscopy Core is Directed by Dr. A. Linnemann. The Core leverages the expertise of a staff scientist and technician and interfaces closely with the Islet & Physiology Core of the IDRC to ensure that tissue resources and surgical expertise are tightly integrated. The Microscopy Core will achieve the following aims: (1) To provide IDRC investigators with assistance in the methods of quantitative intravital microscopy and the related implementation of fluorescent protein biosensors for intravital and in vitro studies. (2) To provide design and implementation assistance with CODEX imaging of pancreas and other tissues of interest to IDRC investigators. (3) To provide training in the methods of intravital microscopy and image analysis developed by the Core. (4) To provide technical support for laboratories lacking microscopy expertise to utilize additional challenging techniques. (5) To develop and expand Core offerings to include novel cutting edge imaging approaches such as FLIM, expansion microscopy, and lightsheet microscopy.