Live cell imaging capability for research on pathogenic viruses

We request a 75% contribution to purchase two IncuCyte S3 Live-Cell Analysis Systems, together with archive data storage capacity (£189,485).

These instruments are designed to acquire real-time growth, migration, morphology, phenotypic and gene expression data from virus-infected cells in microplates.

They will be located in newly-opened Biological Safety Level 3 (BSL3) and BSL2 laboratories, transforming existing capacity for real-time analysis of virus-infected cells and enabling ambitious plans for expansion of virology research.

The overall aims of the research supported by these instruments are: 1) to understand the molecular mechanisms by which viruses enter cells, replicate their genomes and assemble into infectious virions, and 2) to drive early-stage development of new anti-viral therapeutics (eg screening compound libraries).

The IncuCyte instruments will facilitate both work streams.

They will be housed in standard cell culture incubators and can be remote controlled allowing the analysis of cell parameters over time safely without disturbance.

In order to effectively train users, provide technical advice, oversee usage and manage the instruments, we also request funding for 10% of the salary of the current BSL2/BSL3 laboratory manager, and 5% of the BioImaging facility support scientist over 5-years (£31,390).