Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope - PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT To achieve our research and education aims we request funds to purchase a Zeiss LSM 900 confocal laser scanning microscope. Our current confocal microscope is over 20 years old and is no longer supported by the vendor; therefore, there is no access to parts or updates for the outdated, malfunctioning software. A new confocal microscope will advance the research of three major users at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State), Drs. Monica Gonzalez, Kimberly Mulligan, and Sharon Furtak, who rely on confocal microscopy in their research programs, which are each centered on delineating cellular and molecular etiologies of neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative diseases. PI Gonzalez measures the neurotoxicity of pesticides by determining their impact on various neuronal substructures in cultured neurons; Dr. Mulligan investigates the neurodevelopmental impact of air pollutants by examining different aspects of neurogenesis in Drosophila; and Dr. Furtak examines the neural circuitry of episodic and emotional memory through molecular manipulations of the rodent perirhinal cortex. In addition, students enrolled in the upper division undergraduate course, Developmental Biology (BIO 127), will use the confocal microscope as part of a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) where they will investigate the cellular-level impacts of environmental chemicals on Drosophila spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The confocal microscope will also enhance the research of three minor users who study topics including pheromone homeostasis, blood-barrier dysregulation in diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, and the electrical features of neurons related to their morphology. This instrument will equip researchers with the magnification and resolution necessary to quantitatively analyze their samples. The AI assisted sample focusing and navigation will make the confocal microscope more accessible to students with limited microscopy experience. The associated Zen software and motorized stage will allow researchers to set up imaging experiments that can run autonomously, enabling them to work on other tasks or attend classes, making more efficient use of their time. These added capabilities will expedite our research progress and stimulate the design of innovative experiments to fully leverage its potential. The acquisition of this confocal laser scanning microscope will provide Sacramento State students access to modern equipment for training in advanced microscopy techniques in both courses and research labs. The instrument will also advance faculty research programs and reduce costs to researchers by eliminating the need to pay user fees for confocal microscope access at another institution. As more research groups incorporate microscopy into their work, we aim to establish an advanced imaging center that will serve the research and educational needs of the entire university. By engaging students in research that will be facilitated by the requested confocal microscope, we will thoroughly equip students with skills necessary for success in their further educational or professional endeavors.
