Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Super-resolution microscopy has broken the optical diffraction barrier, enabling biologists to visualizex000D
molecular structures at resolutions approaching that of an electron microscope. The best resolution (XY:x000D
<20nm; Z: <50nm) is obtained using single molecule localization microscope (SMLM), based on the repeatedx000D
activation (blinking) of discrete fluorophores whose precise localization is determined using a Gaussian fit ofx000D
the point-spread function (PSF). By modeling 3D single-molecule localization data sets as a point cloud, ax000D
well-established representation used in 3D visual computing, we established analytical approaches to define thex000D
structure of macromolecular complexes in intact cells. Unsupervised clustering analysis and multi-thresholdx000D
modularity analysis of caveolin-1, a key structural component of ~100 nm caveolae, has defined the modularx000D
nature of the caveolae coat structure and shows that smaller non-caveolar Cav1 scaffolds interact to form largerx000D
scaffolds and caveolae. We have initiated discussion with Quorum Technologies Inc to refine our software,x000D
providing comprehensive documentation and a clear user interface, to develop a stand-alone package for usex000D
with any SMLM microscope system. This application is to support a market assessment through Adventusx000D
Research + Consulting Inc (Guelph, Ontario) to assess the commercial viability of this technology includingx000D
validation of the potential market size for the technology, validation of the end-user need andx000D
willingness/ability to purchase. Application of computational imaging, network modelling, and machinex000D
learning based 3D pattern analysis tools to SMLM represents a highly innovative and powerful approach tox000D
define molecular structure and molecular interactions in subcellular structures that will lead to thex000D
multidisciplinary training of HQP in this burgeoning field.