IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Published on octobre 16, 2015

IRIC has just acquired a powerful microscope in order to study complex cellular phenomena in the tissues of living organisms and in primary cancerous tumors, with the aim of better understanding cell division and thereby accelerating the discovery of new cancer drugs.

The new Zeiss LSM880 confocal microscope with Airyscan revolutionizes imaging by making it possible to obtain exceptional image quality, three-dimensional representation and a fast rate of image acquisition. It combines a number of technologies, and this acquisition is unique in North America.

“The IRIC microscope combines intravital imaging (the ability to image in tissues of complex organisms like mice), super-resolution imaging and FLIM (fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy), an imaging technique that among other things allows us to measure fluorescence resonance energy transfers (FRET) with very high sensitivity,” explains Étienne Gagnon, Principal Investigator in IRIC’s Cancer Immunobiology research unit and a user of this technology. “Thus, this microscope will enable us to study intra- and intermolecular interactions with an outstanding level of resolution.”

Gregory Emery, Principal Investigator in IRIC’s Vesicular Trafficking and Cell Signaling research unit, in addition to being in charge of this facility, points out: “The new technologies of this microscope give us access to levels of detail previously unobtainable. The versatility of the instrument means that it will be a valuable ally not only for specialists but also for occasional users who want to get as much information as possible from their samples.”

The Zeiss LSM880 confocal microscope with Airyscan takes its place alongside IRIC’s cutting-edge facilities and contributes to its reputation for excellence on the national and international scene.

Please note that this new technology is also made available to all members of the scientific, academic and industrial community. To consult the services offered and the charges associated with this Zeiss LSM880 confocal microscope, click here.

HeLa cancer cells. Courtesy of S. Traikoy, BIOTEC, Dresden University of Technology Visualization of interactions between plasma membrane proteins and lipids by FRET in the T cell, as measured by FLIM. Courtesy of Étienne Gagnon, IRIC, Université de Montréal

Financing
This investment was made possible thanks to a grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and from the Québec Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research.