A Testimonial on the LAC Young Scientist Imaging Assay Jumpstarter Contest
von Leo Schroeder
"Chance favors the prepared mind" ~ Louis Pasteur
Yannick Brüggemann shared his experience as a winner of the LAC Jumpstarter Contest with us:
"What started as an exciting opportunity to access live-cell microscopy unexpectedly evolved into a full research project, ultimately culminating in a publication. When we received the news of our victory, we were thrilled to finally have the opportunity to perform live-cell imaging. Thanks to the excellent organization and support from Michael and the entire Cenibra team, the setup process was seamless. They handled every detail, from ensuring the correct environmental conditions for live-cell microscopy to managing all logistical aspects within our laboratories.
Our initial goal was to use the CQ1 confocal microscope in combination with our Hepatitis E virus (HEV) cell culture system to monitor real-time cellular responses during viral infection. However, as often happens in science, our first experiments did not work out. The HEV-infected cells showed little to no activation. Out of curiosity, we extended our tests to examine how cells responded to infection with a common cold coronavirus, and this time we observed a striking cellular response. This serendipitous observation became the foundation for a new line of research that ultimately resulted in a published study, something we never anticipated when entering the contest.
Figure: Time-lapse CQ1 confocal images of Huh7 JNK KTR-Clover cells showing nuclear localization of JNK-KTR in uninfected
controls and cytoplasmic translocation upon HCoV-229E infection, indicating JNK activation. Green arrows mark infected cells;
the purple arrow marks a non-infected bystander cell
Throughout the project, Michael’s continuous support was invaluable. He ensured that we had everything required for the experiments, provided expert guidance on operating the CQ1, and was always available to answer questions. Even after the experimental phase concluded, he returned to assist us with data evaluation, demonstrating an exceptional level of dedication.
This experience was remarkable in every respect, combining the technical excellence of the CQ1 confocal microscope with the outstanding support of the Cenibra team.
I strongly encourage young scientists to participate in the LAC Young Scientist Imaging Assay Jumpstarter Contest. Just as it did for us, it may inspire unexpected insights and open new directions for discovery. A sincere thank you to Michael and the Cenibra team for their exceptional support and for providing such an outstanding opportunity."
Author: Yannick Brüggemann, Postdoc, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology; Ruhr University Bochum
Editor's note: We would like to thank Yannick for writing this outstanding testimonial. It was a pleasure working with you on this exciting project. For anyone who is interested in participating in the Jumpstarter contest to accellerate their cell research, please have a look here