Multiphoton Laser-Scanning Microscopy

Our research program focuses on the application of multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy (MPLSM) to the study of biological processes. We undertake the creation of novel MPLSM-based imaging and measurement techniques, as well as their application to the study of tumor biology in vivo, with an emphasis on the biology and biophysics of breast cancer. One of our major projects involves the use of Second Harmonic Generation to study the tumor extracellular matrix, and understand its impact on the process of tumor metastasis. The extracellular matrix plays a role in diffusive transport, which is the focus of another project where we adapt and utilize the technique known as Multiphoton Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching, in order to study diffusive transport within tumor as well as brain tissue. Transport is the theme of another project, wherein we utilize two-photon excited phosphorescence lifetime analysis to determine p02 in the healing bone. Finally, we are exploiting the powerful imaging ability of MPLSM to study the role of the sympathetic nervous system in inducing angiogenesis and tumor growth.