Confocal Fluorescence Laser Scanning Microscope Acquisition

The Institute of Biochemistry II (IBC2) at Goethe University Frankfurt, along with its partner institutions, is seeking to acquire a confocal fluorescence laser scanning microscope with an integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging module (FLIM). This advanced equipment is essential for researchers studying fundamental molecular processes in biochemistry, cell biology, and biomedicine. The goal is to enhance the understanding of selective organelle autophagy, the interactions between organelles, and cellular responses to various stressors such as pathogen invasion, proteotoxic or genotoxic insults, nutrient deprivation, and inflammation. Current imaging tools are limited to fluorescence intensity measurements in fixed cells, lacking the capability for high-resolution live-cell imaging and functional imaging. The new microscope will enable dynamic studies of organelle contact formation, post-translational modifications of proteins, lipid composition of membranes, protein-protein and protein-DNA/RNA interactions, protein trafficking, and the formation of nuclear condensates. The implementation of FLIM will provide insights into molecular interactions and cellular dynamics that are not possible with existing instruments. This acquisition aims to facilitate ambitious research studies by providing exceptional image quality, versatility, user-friendliness, and advanced data analysis capabilities.