Automated high-content screening microscope

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 406294036

The requested high-content imaging microscope system will enable the automated acquisition and quantitative analysis of imaging data. So far, there is no publicly accessible high-content-microscope system available at the Heinrich Heine University. While the Center of Advanced Imaging (CAi) of the Heinrich Heine University is well equipped with high- and super-resolution confocal microscopes for lowthroughput work, there is a deficit in the area of automated high-content imaging microscopy systems.In order to validate quantitative biological phenotypes - such as cellular lipid storage amounts, autophagy, or mitochondrial dynamics - by statistical means, an automated microscope system is needed. The targeted purchase of an automated, confocal system with up to 60x magnifications will allow the detection and quantification of even very small features in the size range of 0.5 to1.5 μm. In combination with the analysis software provided, and the present expertise in terms of image segmentation and data analysis (AG Beller), a plethora of applications will be possible. Integration of the system into the CAi infrastructure will safeguard the availability of the system to a larger user base as well and ensure appropriate hardware maintenance and user support.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Automated high-content screening microscope
• Instrumentation Group: 5042 Mikroskope für Hochdurchsatz und Screening
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Leader: Professor Dr. Mathias Beller