The field of microscopy applications to investigate cellular functions and disturbances
that are relevant to understand disease processes and for generation of therapeutic
interventions is rapidly developing. After completion of sequencing the human genome,
there is a great demand to elucidate the functions of the proteins encoded by the about
40’000 genes and, furthermore, to uncover the dynamic interactions between these
proteins in various pathophysiological situations.
The introduction of laser scanning microscopy opened, among other applications, the
possibility to determine the intracellular distribution of proteins, their colocalization
with other proteins and organelle markers, their dynamic movement upon induction by
stimuli, their synthesis and degradation and their relative 3D-distributions within
compartments of a cell. For these applications, conventional fluorescence microscopy
is not sufficient due to the lack of sensitivity. Currently, the applicants are equipped
with conventional fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence 96-well plate format readers,
ArrayScan High Content Imaging, and Seahorse technology. Thus, the purchase of a
high sensitivity laser scanning microscope would fill the gap and allow extended analyses of cell-based studies.
At the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Basel there is a
rapidly increasing demand in the use of laser scanning microscopy for various
applications. The recent decision for a more biological focus (novel Profs in
Pharmaceutical Technology, J. Huwyler, and Biopharmacy, to be appointed in 2011)
will further enhance the need for laser scanning microscopy. Currently, the research
groups of the Department are highly restricted in the use of laser scanning microscopy
and are fully dependent on external collaborations. Three Divisions of the Department
(the applicants Prof. S. Krähenbühl, Prof. J. Huwyler, Prof. A. Odermatt) have ongoing research projects where laser scanning microscopy is
required. Moreover, the new Prof. in Biopharmacy is likely to have a need for this
technique. Thus, the research of the involved groups greatly benefits from the
purchase of a highly sensitive laser scanning microscope.