The University of Nottingham - Cell Signaling Imaging Core

Cell Signalling Imaging (CSI) has four Zeiss confocal systems: an LSM710 META, LSM510uv META combi, NLO META Confocor 3 Multi Photon, EXCITER and a Confocor 2. CSI also has Zeiss widefield TIRF and widefield deconvolution systems alongside myography, fluorescence and edge detection microscopes. The 510uv META, TIRF and Deconvolution systems are housed within Cell Signalling culturing facility. Most of the microscopes are set up for live cell imaging with environmental control, heated stages and perfusion systems (for kinetic and long term experiments). Some of the live techniques being performed are GFP-tagged receptor studies, GFP complementation, bacterial biofilms, cardiomyocyte stem cells, 3D and 4D timed series imaging, FRET, FRAP, FLIP and second messenger signalling.Cell signalling imagingThe META allows one to carry out accurate separation of emission spectra from uv to far red. The combi systems have an additional Confocor scanhead for Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) combined with confocal imaging. Laser lines available are UV, 458, 488, 514, 543, 633nm and multi photon pulsed 720-980nm. The multi photon is also equipped with a Becker & Hickl FLIM system for lifetime imaging.

Cell signalling imaging
The confocal imaging facilities connect efficiently with the state of the art High Content Imaging and High Throughput facilities. A wide range of fluorescence microplate readers are available within with the capability to perform full drug screens. More details are available in the High Content Screening pages. All systems within CSI are bookable on-line and full training and consultation is provided by Tim Self.