# Live-Cell Imaging System with TIRF and Photomanipulation

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · 2020 · $382,235

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Funds are requested to purchase a live cell imaging microscope with multicolor Total Internal Reflection
Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and photomanipulation capabilities for the University of Hawaii at Manoa to be
located in the Microscopy, Imaging, and Flow Cytometry Core (MIFCC) at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center
(UHCC). Live cell imaging capabilities are critical for research in Cancer Biology and other fields related to human
health. In Cancer Biology, investigators study cell movement and migration as these factors play a critical role
in cancer cell growth, invasion, extravasation, and metastasis. Investigators also analyze macromolecular
interactions occurring near the plasma membrane involving such things as protein-protein interactions,
transcytosis, and vesicular trafficking. TIRF is an optical sectioning technique that provides a high signal-to-noise
ratio and resolution with low phototoxicity and exposure times making it the ideal method for imaging dynamic
events that occur on or near the plasma membrane. We are seeking an advanced live cell imaging system that
would allow for multi-color TIRF with options for fluorescence bleaching techniques, activation, switching,
optogenetics, uncaging, ablation, and DNA damage. It would be able to perform multi-spectral photomanipulation
and TIRF, both simultaneously and sequentially within a single experiment. For its use in a core facility, it would
include features making it easy to use and quick to set up, including for applications involving complex time lapse
experiments, z-stacks, and acquisition loops. In addition, it would include features such as a high-resolution/high-
speed camera, a pneumatic table, and environmental controls.
 With the acquisition of an instrument like this, the MIFCC at UHCC would be the first core facility at the
University of Hawaii to be able to offer access to an advanced live-cell microscope with multicolor TIRF and
photomanipulation capabilities. Having access to this technology would not only enhance the cancer research
conducted at UHCC, but that of various units across the University, such as the adjacent John A. Burn’s School
of Medicine. The groups currently using the MIFCC study a broad range of health-related problems including
cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. All of these
investigators have considerable experience with imaging-based approaches to study cellular processes and
many have critical experimental needs for live-cell imaging. The requested equipment would support both current
and pending NIH funded health-related projects, thus providing essential research infrastructure and improving
the competitiveness of both established senior investigators and promising junior investigators. The MIFCC has
a 10-year history of assisting many investigators in conducting imaging for their biomedical research, it has the
expertise available for the administration...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9939087
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028515-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- **Principal Investigator:** Christine Farrar
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $382,235
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9939087

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9939087, Live-Cell Imaging System with TIRF and Photomanipulation (1S10OD028515-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9939087. Licensed CC0.

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