Project Details
Projekt
Live cell spinning disk microscope system with UV ablation unit
Subject Area
Neurosciences
Term
Funded in 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 573849279
Directly observing and manipulating highly dynamic cellular interactions in tissues holds huge potential for progress in developmental and regenerative biology and requires cutting-edge microscopy. The model systems used at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering* (CMCB) of TU Dresden are highly amenable to live observation. For example, we are using transparent zebrafish larvae (spinal cord regeneration - Becker; bone regeneration and cancer - Knopf), fruit flies (tissue morphogenesis - Dahmann), and 3D mammalian cell culture (tight junctions - Honigmann; tumour microenvironment - Taubenberger) to unravel tissue interactions from the second to day scale. To fully exploit the advantages of live microscopy, an integrated workplace is needed. It should allow for precise laser manipulations, e.g. to activate caged compounds and to precisely ablate tissue and cells. This shall be combined with high resolution, high speed (frame rate), and low photo-toxicity spinning-disk microscopy. Thus, rapid changes following a laser manipulation, e.g. in cytoskeletal dynamics, or calcium signalling, can be analysed. In addition, the system should possess smart/feedback features to track cell movements during long-term observations. Such a setup is currently not available at the CMCB or the CMCB Light Microscopy Facility. The current spinning-disk microscope does not allow for laser ablation and works at full capacity (31 groups; 2000 h/year in last 1.5 years). A similar setup on campus is also fully booked. Therefore, we apply for a spinning-disk microscope with smart/feedback features and integrated manipulation laser at the LMF. This will greatly accelerate the research of the main applicants and significantly benefit the wider microscopy community (> 10 groups) at TU Dresden via open access and user support provided by the CMCB Light Microscopy Facility. *The Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) is a central scientific unit of TU Dresden comprised of three research institutes: the B Cube – Center for Molecular Bioengineering, the BIOTEC – Biotechnology Center, and the CRTD – Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden. The CMCB Technology Platform includes cutting edge Core Facilities, including the CMCB Light Microscopy Facility, which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, scientific support, user training and administration of the light microscopes which are accessible to all constituent groups of the CMCB and beyond.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Forschungsmikroskop mit Spinning Disk Konfokaleinheit und UV Ablationslaser für Lebendaufnahmen
Instrumentation Group
5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
Applicant Institution
Technische Universität Dresden
