Confocal inverse microscope

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 516511696

High resolution imaging of living cell clusters with fluorescent dyes is a standard technology in physiological research. Our confocal inverse microscope (construction 2003) is running out of support and maintenance. The microscope we apply for is to substitute this device. It is integrated in a workspace which is specialized to allow the examination of micromanipulated cell clusters (ex vivo organ elements) by in vitro perfusion techniques. The apparatus is designed for sophisticated simultaneous electrophysiological measurements. Current research projects which will be continued with the new setup applied for are covering transepithelial transport of ions and water in the kidney including function and interaction of tight junction proteins. Another project investigates homeostatic functions in sea urchin larvae and the mechanisms of skeleton formation with its respective subcellular events in pH, calcium concentration and carbonate chemistry. Finally we investigate structure-function relationship of potassium channels (K2P) and the formation and localisation of homo- and heterodimeric potassium channels. In all measurements, living cells, renal tubules, ex vivo slice preparations or vesicles are investigated in a time series in a perfused bath system.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokales inverses Mikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professor Dr. Markus Bleich