confocal laser scanning microscope

• Subject Area: Biological Chemistry and Food Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 454836613

The working groups of this proposal are conducting research in the areas of food chemistry and toxicology, bioinorganic chemistry, biochemistry and redox biology, as well as cellular neurobiology. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM) is a central and essential tool to address questions in different model systems ranging from protozoans over mammalian cells to murine models. Thus, we apply for a state-of-the-art cLSM, allowing for live cell imaging as well as analysis in fixed samples (cells, organoids and tissue). The requested cLSM should offer fast and very sensitive confocal imaging with high resolution to analyze targets on the subcellular level and their co-localization with our proteins or structures. The requested cLSM system will be used to test novel fluorogenic and photo-switchable sensors and to study the pathophysiological role of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. The cLSM will be instrumental to analyze cellular redox enzymes on a mechanistic level and to assess their impact on intracellular transport processes. Furthermore, the stress response pathways triggered by genotoxic food contaminants will be investigated in cells and tissues to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Another application will be the detailed analysis of cell death pathways induced by anticancer drugs and natural compounds in cancer cells and tissue. Finally, cLSM will be useful to explore the biological mode of action of newly identified food ingredients with chemopreventive potential.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokales Laser-Scanning-Mikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
• Leader: Professor Dr. Jörg Fahrer