Janelia's Optical Interest Group seminar series is now on HHMI's YouTube channel

[Boehm, Ulrike-3]

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Hello everyone,

It’s my pleasure to announce that the presentations of Janelia’s Optical Interest Group seminar series<https://www.janelia.org/content/optical-interest-group> are now available on HHMI’s YouTube channel in the Optical Interest Group playlist<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqwpOkZ9dxzKUjBx3dyaqjv6igKhGvAOG> 😊 – Enjoy the mixture of optical imaging tool development (microscope and labeling technology) and image analysis and stay tuned for more exciting presentations by EMBL’s Claire Deo, Janelia’s Stephan Saalfeld, EMBL’s Lina Streich and many more!


  1.  Kaspar Podgorski is a Group Leader at Janelia.<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqwpOkZ9dxzKUjBx3dyaqjv6igKhGvAOG>

Title: How programmable microscopes can improve activity imaging
Abstract: Imaging is often used to record activity rather than structure. In this regime, there are simple things that we can do to dramatically improve imaging performance along different axes, such as SNR, frame rate, recorded volume, or illumination power. These improvements rely on programmable microscope elements. I'll discuss how we are using different programmable elements along with different types of prior information to improve activity imaging.
  2.  Anna Kreshuk, EMBL Heidelberg Group Leader.<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqwpOkZ9dxzKUjBx3dyaqjv6igKhGvAOG>

Title: Whole-organism segmentation: finding all cells in an EM-imaged platynereis dumerilii
Abstract: Cutting-edge volume electron microscopy allows to image very large samples, up to the whole animal level for small organisms. i will talk about the methods we developed to segment all cells and all cell nuclei in a volume like this, encompassing a whole 6-day old marine worm platynereis dumerilii. I will also show how - through correlation with light microscopy volumes - the segmented cells can be assigned to a gene expression profile.
  3.  Helen Farrants is an Associate in the Schreiter Lab at Janelia.<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqwpOkZ9dxzKUjBx3dyaqjv6igKhGvAOG>

Title: Turning nanobodies “on” and “off”

Abstract: The proper localization of proteins inside of living cells is key for their function. To study the function of these proteins, investigators can express mutants or treat cells with inhibitors and study the impact on a cellular process. While both are powerful approaches, potential caveats include cell adaptation and off-target effects. An alternative approach to probe protein function is to selectively sequester a GFP-fusion protein away from its normal site of action by expressing a nanobody for GFP in a defined cellular location. However, sequestration is not reversible. We have developed a protein switch that can turn the anti-GFP nanobody “on” and “off” with small-molecule drugs. As a proof of principle, we were able to override a cell's mitotic checkpoint by sequestering a kinetochore protein on mitochondria on our demand. Our protein switch provides cell biologists with a valuable new tool that can be used to both visualize and reversibly manipulate protein targeting during optical imaging of live cells.

Yan Zhang is a Research Specialist in the Looger Lab at Janelia.<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqwpOkZ9dxzKUjBx3dyaqjv6igKhGvAOG>

Title: jGCaMP8, a new generation of ultrafast calcium indicators
Abstract: Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are widely used to monitor neuronal activity in numerous preparations. Over the years, GECIs have been iteratively optimized through rational design and directed evolution. However, the low sensitivity, and especially the slow rise/decay kinetics, still limit GECI utility for numerous applications. Screening a library of calmodulin-binding peptides, followed by multiple rounds of structure-based mutagenesis and screening in neuronal culture, we developed jGCaMP8, a new family of calcium sensors with exceptionally fast dynamics and high sensitivity.  For example, in cultured hippocampal neurons, jGCaMP8f (“fast”) has a 3-fold reduction in half-rise and half-decay times, and a 2-fold increase in F/F0 in response to single action potentials, compared to the state-of-the-art sensor jGCaMP7f. jGCaMP8s (“sensitive”) shows a 5-fold increase in single action potential response, while still being 2.5-fold faster in half-rise time than jGCaMP7f. These properties make the new jGCaMP8 indicators the preferred choice in most imaging applications, from use in fast-spiking neurons and highly-buffered cells, to accurate spike-time determination across preparations.

More information about the Optical Interest Groups seminar series and upcoming talks can be found here: https://www.janelia.org/content/optical-interest-group

Enjoy the presentations!

Best regards,

Ulrike

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Ulrike Boehm, Ph.D.
Research Specialist
Advanced Imaging Center
HHMI - Janelia Research Campus
19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147
571-209-4000 x1356 | [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>