Confocal microscopy complements the work of most BCM-IDDRC investigators whose work entails analysis and description of protein distribution within cells or tissues. Among the specific strengths of this system are the capacity to use multiple markers concurrently and the ability to study the three-dimensional character of one or several related proteins with sub-cellular resolution. For members of the BCM-IDDRC, the three confocal systems have facilitated discovery and elucidation of genes involved in human disorders such as Rett and SCA1, functional analyses of genes including Mathi, Mecp2, Ataxin, Gfi-1, shar-pei, APP, VAP-33A, endophilin, crumbs, hrs, CSP, atonal, syntaxin, senseless, neurexin, ROP, discs lost, skittles, gutfeeling, synaptobrevin, synaptotagmin, apterous, Dpp and protein structure/function studies of potassium channel domains. These and similar studies have involved thirteen BCM-IDDRC laboratories on an ongoing basis and nine other BCM-IDDRC laboratories on an occasional basis. Cost Effectiveness: The original cost of the two Zeiss confocal microscope systems and related equipment was approximately $1.2 million. Operating costs per year including primarily service contracts, salary costs for user training and day to day maintenance and technical support of histological services are currrently approximately $128,000. Very few BCM-IDDRC laboratories could individually justify either the expense of purchasing and maintaining any one of the confocal systems or would fully utilize the full capacity of a single system. Quality Assurance: All of the microscopes in the Confocal core were purchase new, were under warranties during the first year and have since been continuously under service contracts with the manufacturers to assure all systems meet or exceed performance quality requirements. Preventative maintenance of the equipment includes regular cleaning of user inaccessible portions of the microscope systems and revision of microscope software as needed. Where feasible, we have in the past and will continue to improve the software and hardware associated with the microscopes to provide additional features, attain better equipment performance, and better meet new or changing user and regulatory requirements. The microscopes are observed on a daily basis and user serviceable portions of the systems are examined, aligned, cleaned and repaired on a regular basis by the core manager. Most of our users experience their initial use of Confocal microscopy using our equipment and training to obtain optimal images from the equipment is a significant component of quality. Each of our new users is provided with at least two hours of individual hands-on training with the core manager followed by required solo sessions and ongoing support as needed. F. UTILIZATION The confocal microscopy core will provide training, equipment and technical support to any BCM-IDDRC investigator who would benefit from use of the confocal microscope systems. We expect that BCM-IDDRC users will continue to benefit from the preferential access to the systems and because of the favorable fee structure in comparison with available alternatives
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