Cell & Molecular Imaging Core

The Cell and Molecular Imaging Core will accomplish three aims:

1. To provide service, assistance, and consultation in designing in vitro and in vivo studies related to molecular imaging.
2. To provide labeled cells for monitoring gene expression, cell trafficking, and disease progression in in vitro and in vivo models.
3. To assist in high-throughput and high-content imaging of live cells.

Cell and molecular imaging (CMI) core operates on the principle that progress in cancer research necessitates the ability to peer into the inner workings of cells, observe molecular interactions, and track disease progression in real-time. The CMI Core empowers researchers with the necessary imaging technologies and expertise to conduct in-depth in vitro and in vivo studies related to molecular imaging, provide labeled cells for monitoring critical aspects of cancer biology, and assist in high-throughput and high-content imaging of live cells.

Equipment

• Agilent Bioanalyzer: Enhances imaging modalities by analyzing nucleic acids and proteins, ensuring the quality and integrity of samples for downstream imaging and molecular analysis in cancer research.
• Agilent Surescan Scanner: Enhances imaging capabilities for cancer researchers by analyzing microarrays and capturing intricate details of biological samples relevant to oncology studies.
• Biopticon Tumor Imager: Designed for real-time tracking of tumor growth and progression, it enriches the arsenal of imaging technologies to monitor dynamic cancer-related processes.
• Bio-Rad Real-Time PCR System: Enhances the molecular aspect of cancer research by providing real-time quantitative analysis, complementing advanced imaging techniques to study gene expression and molecular pathways more comprehensively.
• Bruker In-Vivo Extreme Multimodal Optical and X-Ray Imaging System: Offers multimodal imaging to monitor tumor growth in small animals, advancing imaging modalities in cancer research.
• EVOS Fluorescent Inverted Microscope: Equipped with fluorescence capabilities for visualizing cellular interactions, enriching imaging modalities in cancer research.
• Gelcount Colony Counter: A dedicated tool to quantify various cell-based assays, including colony, spheroid, and organoid counting, crucial for enhancing cancer cell proliferation studies.
• Genepix Microarray: Empowers researchers to conduct high-throughput gene expression profiling, enabling a deeper molecular-level understanding of cancer and the identification of potential therapeutic targets through advanced imaging modalities.
• Lecia LMD 7 Laser Microdissection System: Enables precise isolation of specific cells or regions of tissues, contributing to the refinement of imaging techniques for focused analysis in cancer research.
• Nikon Microscope System: Offers versatile microscopy, including fluorescence imaging, supporting the visualization of cellular interactions, cancer-related proteins, and tissues, thus broadening the spectrum of imaging modalities in cancer research.
• Olympus Inverted Microscope System: Essential for live-cell imaging and observing dynamic cellular processes, playing a pivotal role in cancer studies by enhancing imaging modalities in controlled environments.
• PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum Bioluminescence Imaging System: Provides real-time insights into disease dynamics within live animals, facilitating the evaluation of experimental therapies and interventions through advanced imaging technologies.
• PerkinElmer Operetta System: Tailored for high-content imaging, it facilitates the visualization of cellular and subcellular events, allowing researchers to perform complex image analysis, thereby expanding the scope of imaging modalities in cancer studies.
• Sartorius Incucyte S3 Live Imaging System: Facilitates real-time monitoring of dynamic cellular processes, such as cancer cell proliferation and migration, providing valuable insights into cancer biology through advanced imaging.
• Vevo 2100 Imaging System: A specialized ultrasound system for 3D anatomical and functional imaging, particularly beneficial in characterizing tumors and assessing their response to treatment using advanced imaging modalities.
• Zeiss Axioscan Scanner: Streamlines high-throughput scanning and analysis of histological samples and tissue sections, contributing to the exploration of tissue morphology and pathology using advanced imaging techniques.

Directors

Core Director
TBD
Core Co-Director
Jihee Ha, PhD
Jihee-Ha@ouhsc.edu

Accessing the Core

Stephenson Cancer Center uses iLab for online scheduling for shared resources. Use iLab to access this core.

Pricing

Please contact Core for pricing structure. We will provide the detailed breakdown of charges for each service.

Usage Acknowledgment

If research supported by Stephenson Cancer Center core facilities results in a publication or news release, please acknowledge this support in your manuscript. The acknowledgement can be, “The --- service provided by the MTCRO Cell and Molecular Imaging Core was supported partly by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Grant P20GM103639 and National Cancer Institute Grant P30CA225520 of the National Institutes of Health.” Following publication, please send us one of your reprints for our records.

Oversight Advisory Committee

Eric Howard, PhD
eric-howard@ouhsc.edu

Ralf Janknecht PhD
ralf-janknecht@ouhsc.edu

Jie Wu, PhD
jie-wu@ouhsc.edu