The Cellular Imaging Core (CIC Director: Dr. James Fitzpatrick) leverages the significant recent institutional investment in the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI). Services offered by the WUCCI are available on their website. The CIC will accelerate the pace, expand the scope, and improve the efficiency of rheumatic diseases research by providing micro-grants that will cover approximately 50% of the recharge costs of a given imaging project up to a maximum of $2,000 for junior faculty and $1,000 for other members. Submissions are on a rolling basis and can be directed to Dr. Fitzpatrick.
Core Description
Imaging studies related to model organisms often represent a technical challenge due to the inhomogeneity of the tissues and the complexity of a whole organ such as the joint. Recent advances in cellular iTaging technology, however, enable unprecedented dynamic and spatial resolution in studies of cells, tissues, and animals, creating exciting opportunities for discovery in basic and translational studies of model systems of rheumatic diseases. The overarching goal of the newly created Cellular Imaging Core is to accelerate both basic and translational rheumatic diseases-related research studies by providing prioritized access to highly specialized instrumentation and services covering a wide and evolving range of microscopic imaging technologies, including high-speed and high-sensitivity confocal microscopes for live cell and fixed tissue imaging, two-photon, super-resolution microscopy for microscopic localization and quantitation of cellular features, and an array of electron, ion and x-ray microscopic techniques for the visualization of two and three dimensional ultrastructure. Efficient utilization of sophisticated technology platforms requires training and professional guidance in its use and application. Thus, a major objective of this new core is not only to provide access but also to ensure adequate support and training, priority consultation, assistance with experimental design and sample preparation as well as custom data analyses to facilitate the generation of quantitative assays that will enhance the research avenues available to Rheumatic Diseases Research Resource-based l Center (RDRRC) members.
View the Application (doc) here, then you can email the filled out application to Dr. James Fitzpatrick (fitzp@wustl.edu).