Image-scanning microscopy for fast super-resolution imaging of islets cell signaling and secretion

Would you like to describe the project in short with a few sentences?

”In this project, we intend to implement a type of super-resolution microscopy imaging technique for fast three-dimensional imaging of living cells in pancreatic islets. We expect approximately a doubling of the spatial resolution compared to regular microscopy. Using this technique, we intend to explore second messenger signalling in subcellular compartments, primarily the primary cilium. This compartment contains a number of receptors important for islet function, but to what extent activation of these receptors triggers signalling inside the cilium and how communication occurs to the rest of the cell is not known. ”

Would you like to tell us a little about the cross-disciplinary aspects of the project?

”The project is based on fundamental questions in cell biology and physiology. Answering these questions requires method development that includes both technical aspects and new routines for analysing data. The project involves principal investigators from Department of Medcial Cell Biology with expertise in cell biology and advanced microscopy imaging as well as from the Department of Information Technology with expertise in programming and quatitative image analysis.”

How was the project and collaboration born?

We have thought about involving image analysis expertise in our research for some time but formalising this project was stimulated by the call from UDC.

How can UDC be of help in your research?

”This project may not have been launched without the support from UDC. In addition, the role of UDC is to contribute to a stimulating scientific environment and facilitate interactions between people from different disciplines.”

What can UDC do to make the PhD students feel like they belong to the centre?

”UDC can support various common activities for students within the centre. It may be courses, seminars or other scientific activities as well as social and networking activities. Some of the events should be directed specifically to students.”

Which UDC activities will be meaningful for this project?

”It remains to see which specific activities will be useful.”