Q+A CENTER

Robert Wick, Leica: Leica Microsystems offers a variety of integrated solutions to provide new perspectives in biology and biochemistry: High-performance research microscopes, laser microdissection systems, fluorescence and live cell imaging workstations as well as spectral confocal and multiphoton systems. Just recently, Leica Microsystems introduced a major breakthrough in high-resolution fluorescence imaging. 4Pi microscopy enables axial resolution up to 100 nm on fixed and live specimens, closing the gap between light and electron microscopy. Dedicated user-friendly application solutions like Timelapse, Physiology, 3D-reconstruction, FRET, FRAP, FLIM and FCS transform systems into powerful tools for analytical biology. For the investigation of single cells using PCR and related techniques, a contamination-free and precise dissection of cells is essential. The Leica Laser Microdissection System AS LMD is a powerful tool for this purpose.

CELL MOTILITY

Advanced Imaging: Would you describe for us your company's approach to providing cell motility functionality to the research scientist?

Stephen Ross, Nikon: Cell motility research is, to me, the study of cytoskeletal proteins and how they interact with other proteins at the cell surface. This field of research is essential to understanding mechanisms that may lead future treatments for cancer or spinal cord injuries. The biggest advancement in this area is the application of multi-spectral TIRF, which can provide the signal-to-noise necessary to study intracellular interactions down to the single protein level. Nikon's approach for this and other complex applications is to provide turnkey systems solutions, making it possible to add complicated applications to a lab's toolbox, without having to design and build systems from scratch. The results of this application can be seen in works by scientists such as Clare Waterman-Storer, Scripps Research Institute, and recent publications by Paul Forscher at Yale University who elucidated the dynamic interactions of proteins with the cytoskeleton in motile neuronal growth cones, looking for their targets in the nervous system.

Robert Wick, Leica: Motility of sub- cellular components can be analyzed through confocal microscopy or live cell widefield workstations by timelapse data acquisition and subsequent image analysis. Other approaches are FRAP and FCS , providing indirect quantitative information on molecule motility and diffusion speeds. These applications are available on Leica Confocal Systems. Auto calibrating systems in Leica's widefield solutions ensure reliable and repeatable experimental results.

LAB SET-UP

Advanced Imaging: For a pro that needs to set up a research lab to provide 3D visualization and analysis of polymer flow in vivo , what approach and solution would you provide? Would that user need to build custom software ? or does your company provide a finished solution in that regard?