Nikon Multiphoton (MP) Imaging System

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Funds are requested to purchase a Nikon A1R Multiphoton (MP) Imaging System, to be integrated into the Vanderbilt Cell Imaging Shared Resource (CISR). Vanderbilt has a history of excellence in biomedical imaging, with outstanding facilities for human and live animal imaging within the Institute of Imaging Sciences, groundbreaking molecular imaging within the Mass Spectrometry Research Center, and cutting-edge equipment for advanced light microscopy within the CISR. However, the ability to integrate these outstanding resources to image biologic processes across all scales – i.e. from the whole organism down to subcellular structure – has been limited by the lack of an imaging solution to bridge live animal imaging to ex vivo imaging of tissues and cells. The proposed MP System is capable of visualizing cellular events deep within the tissues of living organisms through intravital imaging, providing a critical link between in vivo and ex vivo scales. A group of 12 NIH-funded User Groups across Vanderbilt will initially be supported by this instrument. These investigators have unmet imaging needs to support NIH-funded projects spanning infectious diseases, immunology, neurobiology, digestive diseases, epithelial biology, diabetes, lung injury, and cancer. The proposed configuration of the MP System is based on the needs of the User Groups and includes: 1) a dual- output laser with primary tunable beam (800-1300 nm) and secondary fixed (1040 nm) beam to support imaging depth of up to 1.4mm, 2) a high-speed resonant scanner for dynamic imaging of up to 720fps, 3) a fully automated, large-format stage and upright microscope stand to accommodate anesthesia and intravital preparations, and 4) a selection of objectives specifically chosen to support the proposed User projects. Additionally, with support from the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation (VI4), we have already established a dedicated biosafety level 2 imaging suite with ancillary anesthesia, surgical, and perfusion equipment to house the MP System and ensure that we can accommodate biohazardous specimens. Vanderbilt is providing financial support to promote the long-term operation of the instrument, including salary for technical staff and necessary service contracts. Technical support and training of new users will be facilitated by the exceptional staff within the CISR, which has a greater than 20-year history of assisting over 300 labs on campus. Moreover, the Nikon Center of Excellence housed within the CISR provides a dedicated local team of specialists to support the microscopy needs of investigators on campus. Collectively, the proposed MP System, together with outstanding institutional and core facility support, will enable the long-term objective of establishing intravital imaging at Vanderbilt.