The goal of this application is to obtain funding to acquire a Zeiss Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (LSM) 980 for use by several research investigators at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Heath Care System (VA-NWI) in Omaha, Nebraska. There is a long history of strong and interactive collaborations at VA-NWI, in areas encompassing obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, nonalcoholic and alcoholic liver disease, chronic lung disease, and reproductive health. Purchase of the confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM), a fundamental technology relevant to many disciplines, will further enhance collaborations within VA-NWI and with collaborators. We are requesting this specific system because it features enhanced detection capabilities, automated target identification and deconvolution capabilities that boost the resolution beyond that of conventional LSM microscopes. In addition, the LSM is capable of a wide range of detection modalities including brightfield and multiple fluorescent wavelengths, essential for our diverse users. We propose two Aims: Aim 1: To purchase and maintain a Zeiss Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy System for major use by VA- funded researchers. Aim 2: To promote scientific discovery and collaboration for VA researchers. We provide a detailed plan for daily operation and supervision, user training and education, administrative oversight through the formation of an Oversight Committee, fee structure for long-term sustainability, and evaluation for program enhancement. No capability for confocal LSM currently exists on-site at VA-NWI. Obtaining such a system to be housed at VA-NWI will create new research capability for our VA researchers, and thus significantly enhance research capacity for both VA investigators and their collaborators. Proposed in this application (see Table 1) are 9 Major VA Users who each have active VA I-01, RCS or CDA awards currently supporting their research, and 1 Minor VA User who does not currently have VA funding. Our overall objective with the acquisition of the Zeiss Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy System is to expand the research capabilities and create new collaborations at VA-NWI that result in novel discoveries specifically applicable to solving the health problems facing our Veterans. This technology, new to our Station, will significantly advance our capabilities as the system is widely applicable to preclinical research applications in a variety of diseases impacting Veterans, including metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease, pulmonary disorders, and reproductive health. The flexibility of the system, the diversity of 8 highly collaborative investigators, and the experience of the Oversight Committee should enable us to achieve our goals. This state-of-the-art system will promote new research and collaborations at VA-NWI that would otherwise not be possible.