3D and fast imaging: Proposal 1: Light sheet fluorescence microscope and data analysis IT system

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 563423448

We request an integrated imaging system through a pair of proposals for two complementary microscopes. In Proposal 1, this is comprised of a light sheet fluorescence microscope supported by a dedicated high-capacity data management system for handling terabyte-scale bioimage data. Key research objectives [identical for proposals 1 and 2]: This proposal unites our expertise under the interdisciplinary framework of “development, health, and eco-interaction dynamics”, with new lines of inquiry arising from joint working across our research systems (11 insect species and the frog Xenopus). For Developmental Biology, this encompasses the regulation of morphogenesis and the roles of major signaling pathways, transcription factors, and downstream effector proteins for shaping the germline and embryogenesis. Basic research insights from this work, embedded in a comparative framework, are of relevance in understanding specific classes of birth defect, also in humans, and in understanding developmental processes that underpin insect species’ biodiversity. Aligning with a growing critical mass at the University of Hohenheim, this proposal also addresses Plant-Insect Interactions, focusing on how insect eggs interact with their oviposition environment at molecular and cellular levels. These two major foci also bring together our research topics in Immunity and Health on responses to wounding, infection, and chemical defense interactions. Description of the instrument: In addition to the fast, gentle illumination afforded by light sheet optics with two-sided illumination, we require a system with 360º sample rotation. This will support: (a) isotropic 3D reconstruction of tissue atlases in control and genetically manipulated samples, including mapping of regulatory molecule localization in whole organs; (b) identifying subtle anisotropies in structure or protein localization on eggshell surfaces; (c) examining the mechanics of large-scale tissue folding and related morphogenetic events in epithelia, including visualization of geometries that are inaccessible with sample mounting for a conventional microscope stage; and (d) live imaging that spans the anterior-posterior extent of frog neurulation over the curvature of the embryo. System configuration has been chosen to accommodate our biological sample shapes and sizes, and for laser lines required for our fluorescent reporters. Furthermore, the large scale of raw data generation and the high computational requirements for image processing and analysis for this research underpin our selection of an IT management system that will accommodate core data handling requirements, and with modular architecture that will be sustainable for future expansion of capacity.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 3D und schnelle Bildgebung: Antrag 1: Lichtscheiben-Fluoreszenzmikroskop und Datenanalyse-IT-System
• Instrumentation Group: 5000 Labormikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hohenheim
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Kristen Panfilio