Project Summary (2005-2010)

The Imaging Core provides resources and technologies to assess the effects of Superfund toxicants on cultured cells, tissues, and whole animals at the cellular and subcellular levels, in vivo and in vitro, by bioluminescence, confocal, and multiphoton laser light microscopies and also provides capabilities for subcellular to supramolecular imaging by advanced 3-dimensional electron microscopy. This core leverages on the advanced instrumentation of the NCRR-supported National Center for Microscopy and  Imaging Research (NCMTR), which Dr. Ellisman directs at UC San Diego. Working closely with Dr. Ellisman, Dr. Tsien oversees the development and application of new fluorescence, biarsenical reporter, and tetracysteine-based methods for the analysis of gene and protein expression and detection both in cultured cells and tissues. The Core is fully equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and is staffed with experienced scientists who assist in the development and execution of experiments. Personnel of the Imaging Core provide training and assistance with novel labeling strategies, whole animal imaging, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, EM  immunolocalizations, EM tomography, and cryoelectron microscopy interfaced with 2D and 3D biological image analysis.