Light Microscopy Digital Imaging

Abstract Light Microcopy & Digital Imaging (LMDI-SR)
Light microscopy and digital imaging is integral to COHCCC’s research mission. The LMDI-SR provides a wide
range of instruments that allow investigators to image numerous sample types in a variety of carriers such as
slides, well plates, culture dishes, and live animals.
Specific Aims for LMDI-SR:
Aim 1. Provide support for COHCCC Members requiring expertise in light microscopy and digital image
protocols.
Aim 2. Acquisition of imaging data for principal investigators.
Aim 3. Provide sophisticated image analysis and image presentation techniques to investigators.
The LMDI-SR has 8 widefield microscope systems that have imaging capabilities in brightfield, fluorescence,
differential interference contrast, phase contrast, and structured illumination (Apotome). The LMDI-SR has 5
systems that provide live-cell imaging services that include precise temperature control and CO2 delivery and a
system that allows imaging under hypoxic conditions. The Zeiss confocal microscope systems (LSM700,
LSM880, LSM900) are the most advanced available and are equipped with Airyscan super-resolution detectors
that can increase the resolution and signal to noise ratio two-fold over confocal imaging. The LMDI-SR has two
systems capable of 2-photon intra-vital imaging in live mice and rats. The Leica LMD7000 enables researchers
to collect laser microdissected samples from slide mounted tissues, as well as live cells, which in turn can then
be further analyzed via next generation sequencing, PCR, or mass spectrometry.
The LMDI-SR has added the Fluidigm Hyperion imaging mass cytometer to its services providing sophisticated
multiparameter imaging data by ablating metal tagged antibodies from tissue samples. The LMDI-SR is directed
by Dr Brian Armstrong who has extensive experience in light microscopic imaging and analysis and is supported
by a highly trained staff (2 FTEs). The user base has access to the shared resource through iLab. In addition to
extensive project-specific practical imaging training users also receive instruction in safety and the ethical
collection of scientific imaging data. The LMDI-SR provides several professional software programs such as
Image Pro Premier, AMIRA, Imaris, Autoquant, and Visiopharm that can be used to analyze and quantify imaging
data, and the staff are well versed in the proper methods for handling large and complicated imaging data sets.
Members Utilization by %Revenue 2017–21: 83.8 Total (25.7 MCBC, 10.1 DCT, 13.11 CI, 34.1 HM, 0.8 CCPS)
Publications by Members: 103, 39 with Impact Factor >10
Grants Supported: 143 Total (6 ACS, 8 CIRM, 8 DoD, 3 LLS, 64 NCI of 111 NIH (83 R01, 6 U01))

Grant Number: 5P30CA033572-42
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: BRIAN ARMSTRONG