DRC Biological Imaging Core
Core Director: Alexandra Newton, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology
The DRC Biological Imaging Core (BIC) provides state-of-the-art imaging technologies to DRC investigators to visualize the spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling events. It comprises two components: a new and-one-of-a-kind Biosensor Component that identifies, develops, and validates genetically-encoded optical biosensors to measure biological activities of interest and the Nikon Imaging Center that has the latest imaging platforms from Nikon, including 11 high-end microscopes. A key component is the development of designer biosensors to allow DRC investigators to answer their specific questions. Genetically encoded biosensors are unparalleled tools for interrogating signaling pathways in real time in living cells. However, the advanced protein engineering skills and knowledge required to generate novel biosensors are far outside the expertise of most biomedical researchers. The BIC bridges this gap, enabling DRC investigators to pursue answers to their biological questions using the most cutting-edge approaches available without the need for an in-house protein engineer.
Biosensor Component
Director: Nathan Shaner, PhD
Associate Professor of Neurosciences
Director of Biosensor Core
Email: biosensors@health.ucsd.edu
Services: The Biosensor Core is an integral component of the DRC Biological Imaging Core. Inspired by Roger Tsien's pioneering work, the Biosensor Core offers comprehensive support for the use and development of genetically encoded biosensors, including fluorescent and bioluminescent indicators and optogenetic tools. These technologies enable precise visualization and control of dynamic cellular processes, but their effective application often requires specialized expertise. Our core offers consultation on biosensor selection, imaging protocols, and experimental design, maintains a repository of validated biosensors, and assists with custom biosensor design and optimization. Using our in-house microscopes and in collaboration with UCSD's Nikon Imaging Center, we also provide full support and training in quantitative imaging techniques and data analysis. By addressing technical challenges and sharing expertise, the core aims to enable researchers from diverse fields to integrate biosensors into their work with greater ease and rigor.
Nikon Imaging Center
Director: Peng Guo
Director of Nikon Imaging Center
Email: peguo@ucsd.edu
The Nikon Imaging Center is a light microscopy core facility which serves UC San Diego and beyond. We host eleven state-of-the-art multi-functional imaging systems. Together, they offer the following imaging modalities: brightfield, color, differential interference contrast (DIC), widefield fluorescence imaging, point scanning confocal imaging, micropatterning, photo activation and stimulation, spinning disk confocal imaging, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging, spectral imaging, Super Resolution microscopy including stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), NSPARC, and Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM).
NIKON IMAGING CENTER