This core provides the tools for capturing and analyzing images, whether they come from cells viewed through a microscope or from molecules identified on gels and blots. The fluorescence microscopy and quantitative autoradiography imaging equipment allows researchers to describe cell changes and function under varying conditions and to characterize individual molecules at both the cellular and biochemical level.  The facility is overseen by a Scientific Advisor, Dr. Amy DeRocher.

Imaging Equipment

• Applied Precision DeltaVision RT optical/digital-sectioning microscope: For optimal 3D imaging of both live and fixed cells. This specialized instrument is equipped with DIC optics for acquiring visible light images and up to six channels for imaging fluorescently labeled cells. This system is capable of multi-wavelength automated image capture. The SoftWorx software package comes with deconvolution capabilities in addition to image analysis features to create the highest quality images.
• Leica SP2 laser scanning confocal microscope: This microscope has four lasers, a motorized Z stage, manual X-Y stage, and integrated software control.  The resolution is sufficient for sub-cellular organelle analysis.  The integrated software supports multicolor fluorescent studies, FRET, FRAP, 3D image reconstruction and analysis, time-lapse imaging, spectral analysis and color separation. Also included is phase contrast and DIC optics for brightfield work.
  
• Nikon Eclipse E600 upright microscope: This scope has phase contrast optics and three filters for fluorescence imaging (FITC, DAPI and Texas Red).  It is equipped with both a high speed Cool Snap CCD camera used for fluorescence and phase contrast images, as well as a true color camera used for chromatic staining in tissue samples. Metamorph analysis software is included.
• Nikon TE2000U inverted microscope: This scope has phase contrast and DIC optics for visible imaging, four filters for fluorescence imaging, a motorized stage and a high speed Cool Snap CCD camera. This system is capable of single wavelength automated image capture. There are stage inserts for viewing slides, Petri dishes, chamber slides, multi-well plates and tissue culture flasks. Metamorph analysis software is included.
• IVIS Lumina II Imaging System: This instrument from Caliper Life Sciences provides an expandable, sensitive imaging system for both fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging in vivo. The system includes a highly sensitive CCD camera, light-tight imaging chamber and complete automation and analysis capabilities.
• Odyssey Imaging System:  This instrument measures infra-red fluorescence and is used for quantitative imaging of one- and two-color Western blots, in-gel fluorescence detection, and fluorescence detection in standard microtiter plates (in-cell westerns).  In addition, it is useful for immunohistochemistry of tissue sections and general imaging of coomassie stained gels and membranes. 
• Storm 860 phosphorimager: This instrument is capable of scanning a variety of signals from chemifluorescent gels, blots and phosphor screens.

Some equipment may be available for external use.  To get more information or to discuss your project, please contact the Imaging Core Manager, Tracy Mitchell at (206) 256-7498.