University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Overview

Over the last several years, microscopy as a scientific tool has evolved from a group of principally descriptive methodologies to a wide range of primary tools and techniques to investigate the molecular organization of organs, tissues, and cells. Advances in microscope and camera design, fluorescent dye technology, and the development of fluorescent proteins and multiple other novel imaging methods (including 2 photon, FRET, TIRF and luminescence imaging) has made the simultaneous resolution and quantitation of multiple concurrent molecular markers for both protein and DNA at a sub-micron resolution a reality.

The recognition of the potential utility of these techniques to the rapidly expanding research community led to the formation of a centralized microscope imaging center in 1991. Since then, the Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility (CTIF) has become an essential resource for most of the research programs within UPCI.

Specific Aims

The specific aims of the CTIF are to:

• Provide professional expertise in the design and implementation of experiments using microscopic techniques and image analysis, including interpretation of morphological data.
• Prepare, store, and optimally analyze tissues and cells using morphological, mRNA, and protein localization techniques.
• Provide pathology processing, staining, and review for all projects as needed.
• Evaluate experimental results and propose subsequent experimental direction.
• Provide training in the use of and access to any optical instrument used within the project.