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Confocal microscopy offers multiple benefits compared to conventional microscopy, particularly the ability to collect serial, high-resolution optical sections from thick specimens. Multicolor, three-dimensional images can be obtained, providing high-content information from single images. To assist NERCE investigators from throughout the region, NERCE has established a Confocal Microscope Facility at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Funding through the NERCE has procured a state-of-the-art LEICA SP2 AOBS laser scanning confocal microscope, which combines spectrophotometric detection with confocal microscopy. The instrument is located at the BL2+ facility at the Lazare Research Building, at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. The use of live cell imaging combined with green fluorescent protein (GFP) technology is an exciting methodology with which to study the interactions between infectious agents and living cells. A variety of applications are amenable to confocal microscopy techniques and include: monitoring the localization of proteins in living or fixed cells, monitoring changes in the cellular distribution of proteins, and monitoring changes in the activation status and morphological changes in cells exposed to infectious agents.
Resources and Services available
Leica TCS (true confocal system) SP2 AOBS Spectral Confocal Microscope
AOBS (acousto-optical beam splitter): The AOBS replaces the conventional primary beam splitter for reflecting excitation laser light and transmitting emitted fluorescence. It allows unlimited freedom in the selection and combination of excitation wavelengths, and allows the capture of fluorescence very close to the excitation wavelength. In addition and in contrast to conventional beam splitters, a higher light transmittance resulting in very little light energy loss is observed with the AOBS.
Prism spectrophotometer: This device allows capture of fluorescence emission without filters, thus avoiding fluorescence light loss. Combined with AOBS, this increases light sensitivity and results in a better signal-to-noise ratio, which is beneficial for live-cell and analytical imaging
Emission lasers at the following wavelengths: 405, 458, 476, 488, 514, 561, 633 nm
Capability for FRET microscopy, FLIM, FRAP, and photoactivation
Application: Please contact Dr. Kate Fitzgerald (kate.fitzgerald@umassmed.edu) to access the NERCE confocal microscope.
Fees: There are no fees for use of the confocal microscope resource for research related to NIAID priority pathogens and agents of emerging infectious disease.
| Contact | Kate Fitzgerald, Ph.D. |
| kate.fitzgerald@umassmed.edu |