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<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>Wet electron microscopy of macrophage
cells</b><br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>Project Description</b>:
Biological electron microscopy is commonly carried out on either
dried, sectioned samples, or metal replicas of samples.
Cryoelectron microscopy allows for examination of hydrated biological
samples, but requires expensive apparatus. Instead, we plan to
investigate biological samples using Quantomix wet electron microscopy
capsules.<br>
<br>
Wet electron microscopy is superior to normal electron microscopy
because it does not require dehydration of the samples. It is
known that removing the water from the samples, no matter how gently,
causes macromolecules(such as proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) to
denature and lose their function. It is hoped that the superior
resolution of electron microscopy, coupled with the ability to image
in fluid, will yield new insight into cell processes, specifically
motility of macrophage cells.<br>
<br>
To this end - we intend to use Quantomix wet EM capsules, in order to
investigate podosomes in IC21 cell line macrophages. These
podosomes would be characterized by specific staining protocols, to be
worked out by the student. EM results will then be correlated
with light microscopy results, obtained on the same sample(this
functionality is allowed by the Quantomix capsules).<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>Prerequisites</b>: This project
assumes only a basic proficiency in cell biology. Skills in cell
culture and microscopy are hotly desired. A passion for
microscopy/imagining would be helpful.<br>
<br>
Any student who is interested should get in contact as soon as
possible. This position is available for the remainder of the
Spring semester, as well as over the Summer. It is desired that
any student applying for this UROP intend to stay in the lab longer
than one semester, as training in the protocols is time-intensive.
The position should take around 10 hrs a week during the semester, at
the Whithead Institute(near building 68). Although initially the
undergraduate will have to coordinate with me and Nicki Watson for
training, after that, their schedule is essentially up to them, as
long as the requisite work is completed on time.<br>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Conceivably, this work could result in
publications, which the student would be named as an author on.
Compensation for the undergraduate's time will be in the form of
money, or credits(preferably credits).<br>
</blockquote>
<div><font color="#FF0000"><b>Contact:</b></font></div>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Winston Timp<br>
Graduate Student<br>
MIT/Whitehead Institute<br>
Rm. 639 9 Cambridge Center<br>
Cambridge, MA 02139<br>
Ph: 617-258-5206</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Fax: 617-258-7663</blockquote>
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