Real-time imaging of lung slices

Septation, cell clustering and epithelial cell migration of epithelial cells to existing airspaces in P3 PCLS. Epithelial cell dynamics in P3 PCLS. EpCAM-FITC (green) and SiR-DNA (magenta) labelled P3 PCLS imaged for 12 hours 45 minutes at 15 minute intervals. Red arrows indicate migrating septa, as one existing airway subdivides into two (a1-a2 and a3-a4). Blue circles indicate areas where cell clustering can be seen. Migrating epithelial cells intercalate with existing alveolar wall epithelial cells (yellow arrows) around two airspace, a5 and a6.
Epithelial cells integrate into an existing airspace EpCAM-FITC (red) and SiR-DNA (cyan) labelled P3 PCLS imaged for 14 hours 15 minutes at 15 minute intervals. Epithelial cells 1,2 and 3 (green arrows) migrate towards an existing alveolar airspace (white circle).
Visualisation of the epithelium and capillary network in P3 PCLS. EpCAM-FITC (green) and PECAM-Alexa 647 (red) labelled P3 PCLS imaged for 12 hours 30 minutes at 15 minute intervals. Both EpCAM positive epithelial and PECAM positive endothelial cells can be seen in an extending septum during septation.
Control and blebbistatin treated P3 PCLS EpCAM-FITC (green) and SiR-DNA (magenta) labelled P3 PCLS treated with DMSO control media (A), imaged for 14 hours at 15 min intervals or 50µM blebbistatin containing media (B), imaged for 14 hours 15 minute intervals. a= airspaces.

Liverpool Research Conference

On 29th February Charlotte attended the 5th Annual National Liverpool Research Conference. This student led initiative is a one day meeting specifically aimed to encourage medical students to get involved in research. The day began with several talks by senior clinical and basic research scientists on a variety of topics such as ‘engineering an artificial womb’ and Charlotte’s talk ‘towards lung regeneration:tools and mechanisms’. There was also a poster and oral presentation competition, which showcased the many different projects that students have been working on. Participants were also able to attend workshops to learn more about routes into clinical academic research. A huge thanks to all the organisers and attendees for a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Meeting was held at the Liverpool Medical Institute opposite the catholic cathedral (pictured).