Objective Intravital microscopy (IVM) methods are enjoying an ever broader acceptance as they can be used to gain insight into cell biology in vivo. Unfortunately, most set-ups use window chambers (e.g. cancer) or isolated organs, all highly artificial model systems which are often not compatible with survival imaging. Because of these caveats, imaging in orthotopic locations is always preferable and can theoretically be achieved via motion compensation and tissue stabilization techniques. Recently, different approaches have been proposed including the use of suctioning devices for lung imaging. Unfortunately these approaches are not very effective in achieving stabilization. Moreover many of them induce severe damage to the myocardium. In this proposal we intend to develop a in-vivo real-time intravital microscopy imaging system for imaging moving organs (specifically the beating heart) at the sub-cellular resolution level, capable of compensating all motion artifacts inevitably present in in-vivo models. Our approach will use a combination of rigid motion stabilization through the design of novel stabilizers and sophisticated algorithms for acquisition during advanced cardiopulmonary gating. This system will allow for the first time to study in vivo the biology and physiology in the beating heart. This is at present a totally unexplored field due to the current lack of availability of any imaging technique. Results will be potentially exciting and innovative and will open a new paradigm in the understanding of the physiological properties of the heart and immune system responses. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF) Coordinator UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA EU contribution € 182 996,40 Address VIA DELL ARTIGLIERE 8 37129 Verona Italy See on map Region Nord-Est Veneto Verona Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Manuela Calderara (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
