Integrated Microscopy Core Facility

University Of Wyoming, Laramie WY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The Wyoming Sensory Biology Center (SBC) conducts research involving in vivo imaging of the nervous system and visualization of protein and transcript distribution in sensory and neural tissues. The University of Wyoming Microscopy Core, established through prior IDeA funding, was significantly expanded during COBRE Phase I to support 16 SBC labs and 32 external research groups. This expansion included four advanced microscopes and nine new instruments for genomic and transcriptomic analysis, prompting its reclassification as the Integrated Microscopy Core (IMCore)—now comprising the Jenkins Microscopy Facility (JMF) and Molecular Analysis Unit (MAU). Under the leadership of Dr. Zhang (a university-funded Core Director), the IMCore facilitated increased research productivity, external funding success, and scientific partnerships with researchers at UW and other Wyoming institutions. The goal of COBRE Phase II is to enhance research capacity through two aims: (1) To improve the organization of the IMCore and to expand the service capabilities in microscopy imaging and transcriptome and genome profiling of the sensory and nervous systems. (2) To optimize the operational efficiency and enhance the long-term self-sustainability of the IMCore. The Phase II enhancements will enable transformative research on sensory and nervous system mechanisms through cutting-edge imaging and molecular analysis technologies. These improvements will support discoveries in neural development, circuit organization, and neurological disorder pathology. The optimized operational framework will maintain cost-effective access to advanced capabilities for Wyoming researchers, strengthening the state's sensory biology research capacity. These advancements will advance fundamental understanding of nervous system function and inform therapeutic development for chronic pain, epilepsy, and sensory processing disorders.