UCSF Microscopy Core

Overview

The mission of the Microscopy Core is to assemble, test, and apply emerging light microscopy techniques and technologies and provide them to the diabetes community served by this grant. The DRC co-sponsors the Biological Imaging Development CoLab (BIDC) at UCSF, a shared site of microscopy innovation and usage. By joining this larger UCSF group, DRC members have access to an even larger base of microscopy technology and knowledge, while the DRC maintains diabetes-specific services for its members.

The Microscopy Core has the following objectives:

• Provide DRC investigators with access to a large number of microscopes spanning many technologies, including sophisticated laser scanning confocal, two-photon, light-sheet, widefield live-cell, total internal reflection fluorescence, and brightfield microscopes all with various unique features and levels of automation. Additionally, the Microscopy Core supports a suite of Analysis Stations, which are dedicated workstations hosting a variety of proprietary and open-source software. The Microscopy Core allows the costly equipment resources and the personnel expenses to be distributed over a wide number of laboratories and funding groups, increasing access for all.
• Provide consultation and support for advanced diabetes-centric imaging techniques to facilitate access to those interested in studying diabetes.
• Provide training in advanced and specialized new microscopy technologies, as well as ensure quality control of equipment and experimental procedures, thereby increasing scientific rigor.
• Enable development of new methods and technologies in imaging tools for diabetes research.

Services

The Biological Imaging Development CoLab is an interdisciplinary center configured to assemble, test, and apply emerging light microscopy techniques and technologies. It is designed to serve two roles: a conduit for new optical imaging technology and as a site for technology development. The center also seeks to provide centralized space, personnel, and technical tools toward advancing optical imaging in the biological sciences.

The BIDC is currently operating 3 programs for the UCSF community.

The Instrument Incubator Program

We operate an Instrument Incubator model whereby microscope owners can locate shared instruments which the center maintains and administers for a nominal fee. Under this model the owners retain some autonomy over the instrument's fate, but are relieved of the burden of daily oversight, user training, and administration. This policy also provides a mechanism for others in the wider community to gain limited access for supervised pilot studies.

Assisted Pilot Experiment Program

The BIDC seeks to encourage new users and labs to explore the power of imaging technologies. These groups can 'subscribe' to the BIDC for unlimited use of workstations and imaging software, consulting expertise, and limited access (i.e. "Assisted Pilot Experiment" program) to a range of center instruments. These use of instruments is at the discretion of their respective owners; however, these groups have previously agreed to the 10% free-use rule. This mechanism is meant to allow an instrument and associated center expertis to be transferable to the wider community without a large startup cost.

SABRE/BIDC Instrumentation Development Initiatives

The BIDC fulfills a dedicated role in supporting ongoing and cutting-edge imaging for the Sandler-Asthma Basic REsearch (SABRE) community and selected labs that are in need of ongoing advances in imaging technology. As such, the BIDC/SABRE personnel dedicate approximately 50% of effort toward training supporting personnel from these groups and providing a new pipeline of technologies. In some cases, these technologies will be shared via the 'Instrument Share Policy' after a period of beta testing and/or a period dedicated to the primary aims. The SABRE imaging center is also a member of the 'Owners Consortium' for a selection of instruments.