The mission of the MPI-CBG Light Microscopy Facility (MPI-CBG LMF) is to provide 24/7 access to state-of-the-art light microscopy techniques and instruments as well as to follow future trends. We assist through consultation, training, and project collaborations.

The LMF advises users during design and execution of their imaging projects. We provide support with selecting the most suitable imaging techniques, microscope systems, and setting up imaging experiments.

We offer our expertise in imaging techniques, such as

Spinning disk confocal microscopy
Laser scanning confocal microscopy
2-photon microscopy
Light sheet microscopy
Wide-field microscopy
Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy
Laser capture microdissection
Extended resolution microscopy
Quantitative phase imaging
Live cell and organoid imaging
Photomanipulation

Furthermore, the LMF is constantly exploring new commercial technologies that can support the research mission of the MPI-CBG. We are also involved in multiple outreach and educational activities in Dresden, Germany and beyond.

The TDS offers high content screening services to both academia and industry. This involves developing assays, optimizing reagents, miniaturisation, performing the screen and validating hits.
Biological systems screened include cell lines (in 2D and 3D), primary cells, stem cells, worms and zebra fish.
All data are analyzed using open source software (CellProfiler and KNIME) and the pipelines are shared with the clients for their input and feedback. Courses are also offered how to use the software packages.
The facility does not retain any IP, but charges for the full cost of the service. Offers for screening service can be made upon request and grants can be submitted together with prospective clients.

The Microarray Facility currently provides service for three different commercially available DNA microarray platforms: Agilent, Affymetrix and NimbleGen. The Agilent hybridization oven and microarray confocal laser scanner set-up of the Microarray Facility allows for analysis of other 1x3” glass slide array platforms, also. Such platforms include but are not limited to, GE Healthcare, Illumina, or custom printed arrays. Any type of microarray, e.g. protein, peptide, antibody, lipid, glycan, etc. can be processed in the Microarray Facility.

We have expertise in designing custom microarrays, for example DNA Microarrays with the Agilent database eArray. We offer full service of microarray experiments including sample quality control, experimental design, execution of the experiments, data analysis and data storage. For the validation of DNA microarray results, we are equipped and experienced with qPCR analysis.

Services:

Gene expression analysis (1 color and 2 color)
ChIP-on-chip analysis
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization
miRNA expression analysis
Array-based and solution-based targeted
enrichment for Next Generation Sequencing
Any type of array processing, e.g. protein,
peptide, antibody, lipid, glycan, etc.
Validation of DNA microarray results with qPCR
Custom array design, e.g. with eArray tool

Expertise:

Comprehensive microarray proficiency
Professional support, teaching, and training
High throughput screening and large-scale data
analysis
Experimental design and assay development
Design and analysis of custom microarrays, such
as DNA, protein, peptide, antibody, lipid, glycan

Equipment:

Agilent microarray confocal laser scanner
Agilent hybridization oven
Agilent Bioanalyzer
NimbleGen hybridization system 4
Stratagene Mx 3000 P qPCR machines
Large-scale data analysis platform: GeneSpring