Funds are requested to purchase a live cell imaging microscope with multicolor Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and photomanipulation capabilities for the University of Hawaii at Manoa to be located in the Microscopy, Imaging, and Flow Cytometry Core (MIFCC) at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC). Live cell imaging capabilities are critical for research in Cancer Biology and other fields related to human health. In Cancer Biology, investigators study cell movement and migration as these factors play a critical role in cancer cell growth, invasion, extravasation, and metastasis. Investigators also analyze macromolecular interactions occurring near the plasma membrane involving such things as protein-protein interactions, transcytosis, and vesicular trafficking. TIRF is an optical sectioning technique that provides a high signal-to-noise ratio and resolution with low phototoxicity and exposure times making it the ideal method for imaging dynamic events that occur on or near the plasma membrane. We are seeking an advanced live cell imaging system that would allow for multi-color TIRF with options for fluorescence bleaching techniques, activation, switching, optogenetics, uncaging, ablation, and DNA damage. It would be able to perform multi-spectral photomanipulation and TIRF, both simultaneously and sequentially within a single experiment. For its use in a core facility, it would include features making it easy to use and quick to set up, including for applications involving complex time lapse experiments, z-stacks, and acquisition loops. In addition, it would include features such as a high-resolution/high- speed camera, a pneumatic table, and environmental controls. With the acquisition of an instrument like this, the MIFCC at UHCC would be the first core facility at the University of Hawaii to be able to offer access to an advanced live-cell microscope with multicolor TIRF and photomanipulation capabilities. Having access to this technology would not only enhance the cancer research conducted at UHCC, but that of various units across the University, such as the adjacent John A. Burn?s School of Medicine. The groups currently using the MIFCC study a broad range of health-related problems including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. All of these investigators have considerable experience with imaging-based approaches to study cellular processes and many have critical experimental needs for live-cell imaging. The requested equipment would support both current and pending NIH funded health-related projects, thus providing essential research infrastructure and improving the competitiveness of both established senior investigators and promising junior investigators. The MIFCC has a 10-year history of assisting many investigators in conducting imaging for their biomedical research, it has the expertise available for the administration of such an instrument, and the support of UHCC Administration for the system?s acquisition and long-term operation.

Public Health Relevance

The requested live-cell imaging system will help researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center as they try to answer questions related to events occurring in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. The system will be located in a core facility that is also easily accessible by other groups conducting biomedical research at the University of Hawaii, such as the adjacent John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
Biomedical Research Support Shared Instrumentation Grants (S10)
Project #
1S10OD028515-01
Application #
9939087
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Horska, Alena
Project Start
2020-06-01
Project End
2021-05-31
Budget Start
2020-06-01
Budget End
2021-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Hawaii
Department
Type
DUNS #
965088057
City
Honolulu
State
HI
Country
United States
Zip Code
96822