Texas A&M University
Superfund Basic Research Program
Procedures To Assess The Hazards Of A Superfund Site

Image Analysis Core

Function:
The Image Analysis Core provides a variety of support services to SBRP investigators.  Major emphasis is placed on assessment of the effects of a variety of biological response modifiers (including toxicants) on cells and tissues using conventional optical and electron microscopy approaches.  This Service Core is also working with SBRP investigators to integrate advances in vital analytical cellular imaging and fluorescence probe technologies to provide some of the most sensitive approaches for analysis of the molecular mechanisms of cellular toxicity. The Image Analysis Core fills a critical need for SBRP investigators by housing state-of-the-art technologies, by providing continued maintenance and upgrades to equipment, and by offering specialized instruction and/or technical advice to investigators and their trainees.  This core provides a cost-efficient and highly effective way to provide advanced imaging technologies to all laboratories. 

The Specific Aims of the Image Analysis Service Core are to provide SBRP investigators with quality analytical microscopy services including:

 1)   All aspects of specimen preparation for ultrastructural analysis, immunocytochemistry and laser capture microdissection.

2)   Digital imaging, image processing, image analysis, data analysis, and modeling.

3)   Quantitative single and multiparameter steady-state analysis of vital fluorescence endpoints within living and/or stabilized cells and tissues.

4)   Quantitative single and multiparameter kinetic analysis of endpoints of cellular homeostasis.