BioImaging Core

The Dennis and Barbara Klein Microscopy Core provides researchers the ability to examine nervous system structure and function at multiple levels. Using state-of-the-art instruments housed in this facility, scientists can visualize cellular and subcellular structures, as well as entire neural circuits in both fixed and live specimens. Quantitative imaging techniques including Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) are available. Researchers can capture and analyze images from singly- or multiply-labelled specimens at a wide range of magnifications. Instruments available include a 6-laser scanning confocal microscope, a two-photon microscope, a fully-motorized and automated fluorescence microscope, a laser capture microdissection system, and a workstation for offline analysis of complex imaging datasets.  

Cell and Molecular Core

The Molecular and Cellular Research Core Facility houses state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation to support experimental needs ranging from routine tissue culture to cell sorting and quantitative PCR. Tissue culture needs are supported by a Biosafety Cabinet, CO2 incubator and inverted microscope. Other instruments include: FACS Melody cell sorter (Becton Dickinson) for fluorescence-activated cell sorting; Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 quantitative real-time PCR thermocycler; Eppendorf Mastercycler Nexus 96-well thermocycler for both PCR and cycle sequencing applications; Odyssey Fc multi-modal Gel Imaging Station (Li-Cor) for both protein and nucleic acid detection; VERSAmax microplate reader (Molecular Devices); Mini format 1-D electrophoresis system and PowerPac power supply (BioRad), UV spectrophotometer, UV transilluminator and photography system, and a Leica LMD6500 laser capture dissection microscope.   

Behavioral Core

The Behavioral Research Core Facility contains advanced equipment required for the characterization the neural circuits that regulate fundamental and sophisticated behavioral processes associated with healthy and disordered behavior. This equipment assesses feeding, motor function, metabolic rate, and startle behavior. Additional instruments include both traditional operant conditioning chambers and touchscreen-equipped chambers for the assessment of appetitive and aversive conditioning, including tests of compulsive drug seeking, cognitive flexibility, and conditioned fear. Several behavioral assessment chambers are also equipped with in vivo measurement instruments, such as electrophysiology, fast scan cyclic voltammetry, and fiber photometry, to provide a simultaneous real-time assessment of neurotransmission and neural activity concurrent with behavior.