Microscopy and Digital Imaging in the CCR Microscopy Core

Authors

• MJ KRUHLAK
• L LIM
• A TRAN

Abstract

The CCR Microscopy Core provides NCI investigators access to state-of-the-art imaging tools and techniques, including high-resolution confocal, multi-photon, and super-resolution microscopy. The primary mission of the Core is to support the microscopy and digital imaging needs of investigators studying the biological structures and cellular processes involved in the cell biology of cancer. This involves developing specialized microscopy-based assays and imaging techniques needed by Core users, such as photoswitching of specialized fluorescent proteins to monitor the dynamics of sub-cellular structural components by live cell super-resolution microscopy. Confocal microscopy is also valuable for imaging fluorescently labeled specimens and permitting accurate optical sectioning for volumetric studies, such as large extended field of view tile imaging of tumor samples. Techniques available in the Core include: 1) high resolution confocal microscopy, including live cell imaging methods of FRAP, FRET, FLIM, and photoactivation, 2) multi-photon imaging, including second harmonic generation, 3) super-resolution imaging by either structured illumination microscopy (SIM) or Airyscan detection, and 4) super-resolution imaging by Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) imaging. Advanced image processing and analysis workstations are also available with numerous image analysis software programs including AI-based image analysis modules, such as machine learning and convolution neural network (CNN) based algorithms. The instrumentation and services of the CCR Microscopy Core are open and accessible to all NCI and NIH researchers.

Scientific Focus Area: Research Support Services

This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 6, 2024