Biological and Biomedical Imaging

SULSA OMX Microscope

The SULSA OMX microscope at the University of Dundee is one of only seven OMX structured-illumination microscopes in the world. The technology used by OMX can generate images with a resolution approximately twice that which is normally possible - to 100nm in
xy and 200nm in z. In real terms, this means that biological structures that were once indistinguishable from one another can now be identified as separate entities.

Two main imaging protocols are available: fast live 3D imaging and 3D structured illumination microscopy. These functions allow users to explore the spatial and temporal elements of biological processes with greater resolution than ever before. The SULSA OMX is open to users at any Scottish University and is supported by a dedicated SULSA technologist.

Contact
omx-admin@dundee.ac.uk

Electron Cryomicroscopy Facility

Essential cell functions depend on the interplay of specific proteins, RNA and DNA in large complexes at defined locations within the cell. By their nature, many of these complexes are scarce, flexible, or of variable composition, which renders them difficult targets for structural studies by X-ray crystallography. Electron cyromicroscopy is a high resolution, single molecule approach to determine the structure of macromolecular complexes. Specimens are imaged at cryogenic temperatures without fixing or staining, thus capturing macromolecular assemblies in their native state. The method can be used to study temporal changes in the structure and composition of complexes, and generates near-atomic resolution models to inform subsequent studies of molecular function.

The SULSA-supported Electron Cryomicroscopy Facility at the University
of Edinburgh will provide access to, and training and technical support for: sample preparation, electron microscopy and cryomicroscopy on a field emission gun electron microscope equipped with a state-of-the-art detector, basic techniques in single particle image reconstruction

Contact
Dr Bettina Boettcher
bettina.boettcher@ed.ac.uk

Centre for Live Cell Imaging and Molecular Physiology

SULSA is supporting the establishment of a multidisciplinary live-cell imaging and molecular physiology facility based at the University of Aberdeen. From 2010 the facility will provide Scottish researchers with the tools to study molecular dynamics, intermolecular interactions, and intracellular signalling mechanisms in live organisms. The facility will be supported by a dedicated SULSA technologist and will offers the following capabilities: electrophysiology recordings on a multi-cell, patch-clamp platform, single channel recordings, on-site cell culture capability and live-cell imaging using 2-photon microscopy, histochemical facility, expertise in correlated imaging and electrophysiology experiments, guidance and training in the above technologies, specialized technical support for in vivo imaging.

Contact
Professor Tibor Harkany
t.harkany@abdn.ac.uk

SULSA Imaging Technologist

The SULSA Imaging Technologist at the University of Glasgow will support
the biological imaging community within Scotland by: providing technical advice and support on a range of imaging systems including two-photon confocal microscopy, whole organ/body fluorescence/luminescence imaging and structured light applications, writing customised open source software for image analysis for university laboratories across Scotland, coordinating and the teaching courses on computational techniques associated with imaging.

Contact
Professor Godfrey Smith
g.smith@bio.gla.ac.uk

Bioworkstation

The Bioworkstation at the University of St Andrews is an interdisciplinary collaboration between physicists and biologists that has led to the development of novel cellular manipulation and imaging capabilites, including phototransfection of cells, optical sorting and tweezing of cells, and single‑molecule imaging techniques. The SULSA Biophysical Cell Technologist will contribute to the development of these cutting‑edge technologies and make them available to researchers at SULSA universities.

Contact:
Dr Frank Gunn-Moore
fjg1@st-and.ac.uk

Preclinical PET Imaging Facility

The SULSA-supported preclinical positron emission tomography (PET) facility at the University of Aberdeen offers tracing of pharmaceuticals in small animal models and can be accessed by researchers based at
SULSA institutions.

Contact
Professor Andrew Welch
a.welch@abdn.ac.uk

IVIS Spectrum Imager

A system for non-invasive imaging of bioluminescent and fluorescent reporters in living animals is available at the University of Glasgow. The IVIS Spectrum imager can be used for in vivo monitoring of disease, cell
migration and gene expression. This SULSA-supported facility is supported by a dedicated SULSA technologist and is open to users across SULSA.

ontact
Ryan Ritchie
r.ritchie@bio.gla.ac.uk