Multiview light sheet fluorescence microscope with laser ablation capacity

• Subject Area: Plant Sciences
• Term: Funded in 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322185886

We study how the cell properties driving morphogenetic processes in plants respond to changes in the environment, focusing in particular on the de novo formation of lateral roots. My lab, together with the one of EHK Stelzer (Frankfurt University), has pioneered the use of light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) for live imaging of plant development in close-to-natural growth conditions. We have developed reporters and protocols that allow us to achieve multiscale 4D tracking all cells forming a new lateral root for several days with minimal invasiveness. We are in the process of producing a quantitative, time resolved cellular map of the dynamics of auxin flux, local growth rate/direction, cell divisions and differentiation. This map will allow us to formulate testable hypotheses regarding the relationships between auxin flux, growth rate, stress and divisions during lateral root morphogenesis. To test these hypotheses, we need to perform cell ablationexperiments followed by LSFM imaging. To do so, we need access to a modern LSFM able to image non invasively the lateral root from multiple angle and equipped with a 2-photon laser for cell ablation. So far, an instrument that meets these requirements does not exist at our institution and can not be adapted onto the available instruments that are highly used.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Multiview light sheet fluorescence microscope with laser ablation capacity
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Alexis Maizel