Imaging

Confocal microscopy

Purpose:

Temporal and spatial imaging of cell morphology, biochemistry and physiology in 2- or 3-dimensions

Location:

Reynolds Medical Building, Rm 332A, College Station

Major equipment:

Meridian ULTIMA-Z laser confocal microscopy system with Zeiss inverted microscope, computer-controlled microscope stage, 2 lasers for illumination and ablation, color imaging system with software.

Zeiss cell microinjection system

Capabilities:

2- and 3-D confocal imaging using fluorescence microscopy
Simultaneous excitation at 2 wavelengths and emission at 3 wavelengths for simultaneous measurement of cytosolic calcium and membrane potential
Photoactivated release of caged second messengers
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) for studies of cell/cell communication through gap junctions
Computer-controlled laser ablation of cells to enrich primary cultures to homogeneity

Personnel:

David Zawieja, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Andreea Trache, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Associate

Contact:

David Zawieja, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone: 979-845-7465
e-mail: dcz@tamu.edu

Electron microscopy

Purpose:

Ultrastructural analysis of cell morphology and immunocytochemical localization of proteins at subcellular level

Location:

Reynolds Medical Building, Rm 331, College Station

Major equipment:

JEOL 1200EX transmission electron microscope (120 kV) with high
resolution polepiece, speciment holder and eucentric goniometer state, Gatan wide-angle CCD camera and video system.
Reichert Ultracut ultramicrotome
LKB knife sharpener
LKB autmomated tissue processor
Fischer isotemp vacuum oven
Durst Lavorator 138S photographic enlarger
Leedal Matrix copy stand equipped with Olympus camera system
Arkay film and print dryer

Contact:

Andreea Trache, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
979-845-7990
trache@tamu.edu

Storm gel and blot imaging system

Purpose:

Quantify RNA, DNA and protein on gels and blots

Location:

Building 162, VA, Temple

Major equipment:

Molecular Dynamics Storm system with workstation
Capabilities:
Storage phosphor autoradiography
Direct fluorescence
Chemifluorescence

Contact:

Dr. Kenneth Baker, M.D., Professor
Phone: 254-778-4811 ext. 6609