COOL TOOLS
In-Vivo Multispectral Imaging System FX
Story by Connie Bryson/Photo by Laughing Dog
“Being able to see real-time changes in metabolism is important to my research,” says Dr. Catherine Chan. But until an In-Vivo Multispectral Imaging System FX arrived on the University of Alberta campus, she was out of luck. Dr. Chan investigates the molecular and biochemical changes that occur in insulin-producing cells in obesity and type 2 diabetes. She is particularly focused on understanding the function of a protein that may predispose people to diabetes. The new system allows her to precisely monitor changes in the molecular activity of these cells in live animals, such as rats and mice. The results are immediate—she can detect a change in the function of a cell when it happens. Because it is multispectral, the system can use a variety of modes including fluorescence, luminescence, digital x-ray, and radioisotopic imaging. “Researchers use different modes depending on what they want to see,” explains Dr. Chan. “There’s also software to overlay images, which can be very useful.” The system is a resource for the entire university, and it has been popular not only with researchers like Dr. Chan who study metabolism, but also with scientists monitoring transplant success, studying stem cells, and analyzing the effects of drugs on specific organs.
Dr. Chan is one of the principal investigators in the PANDA project, where she is extending her research to develop and evaluate strategies to modify lifestyle in order to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Chan received a grant from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, to purchase the In-Vivo system.