# Fluorescence stereomicroscope imaging systems

> **NIH NIH R24** · IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $258,485

## Abstract

Fluorescence stereomicroscopy for live imaging of zebrafish embryos and larvae has revolutionized our
ability to gain insight into human developmental and disease processes. It allows visualization in real time
of cell lineages that build the complex tissues and organs that define vertebrate animals. Examining how
these processes are disrupted by injury or disease leads to novel discoveries of the cellular mechanisms
that can be manipulated to improve human health. The vast amount of single cell expression data
generated from distinct developmental stages and tissues has provided a wealth of new information about
key transcription factors that specify cell lineages. Until now, methods to create transcription factor-specific
cell lineage tracing reporters, such as Cre recombinase, have been inefficient and limited by the ability to
clone gene specific promoters. With our GeneWeld CRISPR precision targeted integration strategy, we
can generate a Cre driver in any gene of interest, unlocking the potential to examine cell lineages that were
previously inaccessible, and to transform single cell gene expression data into functional tools for cell
lineage specific analysis. With our R24 resource grant, we have recovered Cre drivers in transcription
factor genes that define mesodermal and immune cell lineages and are expanding this to early
mesendoderm, vascular, and hematopoietic cells. Fluorescence microscopy is at the heart of the
transgenic resource we are building and functional fluorescence stereomicroscope equipment is critical to
efficiently generate and characterize new lines. To meet the imaging needs of the R24, we propose 2 aims
that will significantly expand our fluorescence stereomicroscope capabilities. In Aim 1 we propose funds to
support our imaging capabilities through the purchase of 3 Leica M165 FC imaging systems for routine
daily screening and documentation of new transgenic lines. In Aim 2 we propose funds to elevate our
capacity for real time live imaging of cell lineage labeling through the purchase of 1 Leica M205 FCA
Thunder imaging system. Together, these systems will allow us to successfully grow the zebrafish Cre
driver community resource and thoroughly characterize the spatial and temporal cell lineage labeling
activity of each Cre line.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10601232
- **Project number:** 3R24OD020166-07S2
- **Recipient organization:** IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey J Essner
- **Activity code:** R24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $258,485
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2024-03-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10601232

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10601232, Fluorescence stereomicroscope imaging systems (3R24OD020166-07S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10601232. Licensed CC0.

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