The Morphology and Imaging Center (MIC) was established in April 2000 as an integrated unit in the Department of Neuroscience. The goal was to conduct research that requires sophisticated imaging techniques such as digital fluorescence, deconvolution light microscopy, standard and immuno- electron microscopy. The focus of the collaborative study is to understand the structural dynamics of the neuron and synapse. MIC oversees shared histology/microscopic equipment and provides consultation and expertise to researchers who wish to obtain high quality imaging data for their research projects.

In collaboration with the faculty in the Department of Neuroscience, we mainly conduct research projects that require specialized knowledge, skill and experience as the following:

1) Immunolocalization of synaptic and related proteins on cultured neurons and rodent brain sections using conventional fluorescent and confocal microscopy.

2) Analysis of the morphological phenotype of genetically modified mice, either from embryonic culture or from the brain of adult animals. Currently, the major effort is on examining the ultrastructure and quantitative analysis of synapses using the electron microscopy.

3) Immunoelectron microscopy to visualize the protein distribution at much higher resolution (sub-nanometer scale) than light microscopic imaging, the EM immunocytochemistry routinely is carried out on neuronal culture or brain tissue, and to correlate with the finding by light immunocytochemistry.

People in the Center are welcome to see Dr. Xinran Liu if he/she has any questions regarding the projects that require morphological or microscopic imaging analysis as well as any issues regarding the use of the Center-shared imaging related equipment.

Contact information

Web: http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept120915/files/151153.html

E-mail: Xinran.liu@utsouthwestern.edu

Phone: 214-648-1830

Office location: NA4.214A