Compact inverted fluorescence phase contrast microscope for cell culture

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 563232182

The differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into organoids represents a significant advancement in modeling diseases across various tissues. The “Disease Modeling” research group has been active at the Institute of Human Genetics at Hannover Medical School (MHH) since the appointment of Prof. Dr. Nataliya Di Donato to the W3 University Professorship for Human Genetics. The group's research focuses on innovative cell models to investigate cytoskeletal disorders, particularly in the context of neuronal developmental disorders, immunodeficiencies, and rare cancers. The goal is to uncover previously unknown pathomechanisms and contribute to the development of new therapies. For continuous monitoring and comprehensive analysis of organoid development, a multifunctional all-in-one microscope located in close proximity to the cell culture rooms is essential. This device must be capable of examining both fixed and live tissue, enabling long-term documentation of cell cultures in a CO2 chamber. Additionally, it should allow fluorescence microscopy in an illuminated laboratory environment. A compact inverted fluorescence phase-contrast microscope is therefore being requested, which can be installed directly in the cell culture room. The microscope will also be utilized in the research projects of Prof. Maximilian Lenz's group (Director of the Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, MHH). The Lenz group’s laboratory is located in close proximity, minimizing the need for cell sample transport and the associated risks of cell death and/or contamination. The Lenz group investigates how microglia influence neuronal adaptation under normal and pathological conditions. To gain new insights into inflammation, neuronal circuits, and the migration of microglia following local lesions, the dynamic interactions between microglia and neurons will be visualized. Live-cell imaging techniques will be employed to study microglial migration, among other applications. The microscope will be integrated into MHH's virtual device platform and added to the equipment pool, making it available for experiments conducted by other research groups as well.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Kompaktes invertiertes Fluoreszenz-Phasenkontrast-Mikroskop für die Zellkultur
• Instrumentation Group: 5000 Labormikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Nataliya Di Donato