Basic Science Imaging Platform
Center for Anatomy and Cell BiologyDepartment of Cell Biology and Ultrastructure Research
Scientific focus
Our scientific interest is focused on the fine structural visualization of complex and dynamic compartments of the secretory and endocytic systems, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, trans Golgi networks and endosomal organelles. Changes of their three-dimensional architecture due to different stimuli as well as the uptake of labeled proteins and lipids are demonstrated using cytochemical methods, correlative light-electron microscopy, and electron tomography. Another main topic studied by 3D-electron microscopy is the interaction of human platelets with bacteria causing platelet activation.
Employed techniques
Light / fluorescence microscopy, correlative light-electron microscopy using DAB (diaminobenzidine)-photooxidation, high-pressure freezing (HPF) and freeze substitution, HPF combined with in vivo-DAB-cytochemistry, electron microscopy, electron tomography, 3D-reconstruction and 3D-modeling.