Inverse confocal microscope with light sheett and live-cell imaging function

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 442009976

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of processes affecting neurodegeneration and axonal regeneration is essential for the development of novel treatments for the repair of the damaged nervous system. The principal applicant examines different aspects of these processes in specialized cell culture models and animal models at both morphological-anatomical and sub-cellular molecular levels. The modularity of the device applied for offers the possibility of investigating the molecular mechanisms of axonal growth in high temporal and spatial resolution using live-cell-imaging and Lightning technology. Also, light-sheet technology can be used to three-dimensionally reconstruct the course of regenerated axons in whole tissue blocks after tissue clearing and to analyze parameters such as pathfinding and resynaptogenesis. These aspects are essential for the current and future research orientation of the principal applicant, as they are now used by default in many laboratories worldwide. Also, live-cell-imaging and light-sheet technology offer many opportunities for all other applicants, too, mainly as there is currently no device with the appropriate equipment available in Bochum.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Inverses Konfokalmikroskop mit Lichtblatt und Live-Cell-Option
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Leader: Professor Dr. Dietmar Fischer