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CurieCoreTech Cell and Tissue Imaging (PICT)

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CurieCoreTech Cell and Tissue Imaging (PICT)

Network :

CurieCoreTech

OLIVIER LEROY

Manager of Platform

Network :

CurieCoreTech

Presentation

The Cell and Tissue Imaging Platform (PICT) provides services, training and technological innovation in cellular imaging to academic and private scientific communities, in life science and health.

The platform is labelled “Infrastructure in Biology, Health and Agronomy” (IBiSA) and is a member of the France-BioImaging & Euro-Bioimaging infrastructures.

Our expertise covers multi-scale imaging from the molecule to the organism in the field of cancer research. The imaging center is composed of 3 poles: photonic microscopy, electron microscopy & CryoEM and high-content screening (HCS, Biophenics).

Mission

Provide state-of-the-art technologies and expertise in photonic, electron & CryoEM microscopy, HCS (Biophenics) and image analysis,
Provide training, assistance and advice to users,
Carry out technical, methodological and software developments,
Collaborate on science and technology projects,
Participate in the dissemination of knowledge (training courses, congresses, open lab, etc.) at national and international level.

The platform is open to all researchers, both internal and external to the Institut Curie.

PICT : A certified Platform

The PICT at Institut Curie was officially recognized as an operational platform in life sciences (under the coordination of the RIO network of cellular imaging platforms) in 2003. This recognition was renewed in 2008 when the PICT was certified by the GIS IBiSA (Infrastructure in Biology, Health and Agronomy https://www.ibisa.net/). Since 2011, the PICT-IBiSA has been a member of the France-BioImaging infrastructure (https://france-bioimaging.org/).

Since 2007, in close collaboration with Nikon France, Nikon BV, and other industrial partners, the platform has also hosted and managed the Nikon Imaging Centre (http://nimce.curie.fr/), one of only three such centers in Europe and one of nine worldwide.

Our fields of expertise

Light-microscopy

The PICT photonic microscopy facility brings together cutting-edge equipment in the field of biological imaging. The platform is located on four different sites of the Institut Curie in order to be as close as possible to the researchers. Its equipment is used every year by more than 410 users, totalling 80,000 hours of use. The platform is also home to the Nikon Imaging Centre, a scientific imaging platform unique in France and the result of a partnership between the Institut Curie, Nikon and the CNRS.

The platform has a total of 48 photonic microscopes, including standard wide-field microscopes, videomicroscopes, confocal laser scanning microscopes, confocal spinning disk systems, multiphoton microscopes, TIRF microscopes, super-resolution microscopes (SIM, PALM/STORM), light sheet microscopes and microscopes for in-vivo imaging.

The platform's engineers have recognised expertise in dynamic imaging (cell biology, developmental biology and nuclear structure) and advanced microscopy techniques (F-techniques, super-resolution, laser ablation, optogenetics, etc). The various applications and techniques available on the platform are shown in the figure below:

modalites_d_acquisition

The list of our equipment is available at the following links :

Our engineers also have expertise in data processing and analysis. The platform is equipped with dedicated calculation servers and commercial software for data processing (Imaris, Huygens). We also develop custom tools for scientific projects that require them.

We can provide you with several workstations running specialised imaging software such as: Fiji/ImageJ, Imaris (3D visualisation and analysis), Huygens (image processing by deconvolution), Metamorph (image acquisition and analysis), Zen (Zeiss acquisition software), NIS (Nikon acquisition software), LAS (Leica acquisition software).

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the accessibility of these software or workstations.

Nikon Imaging Center

Inaugurated in 2007, the Nikon Imaging Center was born out of a common ambition shared by Nikon, the Institut Curie and the CNRS to combine their know-how and expertise to create a unique optical imaging platform, responding to the growing challenges of systems biology and adapted to the evolving needs of research. The Nikon Imaging Center has complemented the range of cutting-edge microscopes already available at the Institut Curie by adding an invaluable touch: access to the most innovative systems, even before they reach the market, but also close exchanges between the team in charge of the platform at the Institut Curie and the Nikon teams. Through our concrete feedback on the use of the systems, Nikon can adapt and improve its technologies, raising the platform to the pinnacle of innovation.

Access & Prices

The PICT photonic imaging platform is open under certain conditions to all Institut Curie staff and external users.

Procedure for a new user

If you have a project requiring the use of photonic imaging techniques, please follow the procedure below:

Send an e-mail to pict@curie.fr with details of your scientific project and your imaging requirements.
The imaging team will get back to you to discuss your project in more detail if necessary. If you are an external user of the Institut Curie, an administrative file must be completed as well as validation of the platform use policy (PICT-Charte.pdf).
All users must register via the OpenIRIS booking website: https://openiris.io/. If you are from the Institut Curie, the training request must be made directly online via the OpenIRIS booking site.
You will then be offered a training date.
Once the training has been validated, you will be able to use the equipment independently and reserve it via the OpenIRIS online site.

Prices

Access to the microscopy platform is subject to a charge.

	Academic		Industrial
	Usage standalone (hourly rate)	Training (hourly rate)	Usage standalone (hourly rate)	Training (hourly rate)
Standard Microscope	23 euros	28,75 euros	Contact us
Advanced Microscope	46 euros	57,50 euros
Analysis Software	14,95 euros	57,50 euros

Prices are given for information only and are subject to change without notice. Rates may also vary according to the type of service provided. A quotation can be provided.

Training and teaching activities

The platform's engineers organise and take part in numerous training courses throughout the year. These courses are organised either by the Institut Curie's teaching unit or by the CNRS, INSERM, universities, microscopy networks (RT-MFM, GDR-IMABIO, ELMI, NEUBIAS) or the FranceBioImaging infrastructure.

External resources

Below you will find links to simple and advanced microscopy techniques as well as image processing and analysis tools.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you can't find what you're looking for or want to find out more.

Microscopy :

Image processing and analysis tools :

A database on fluorescent proteins :

https://www.fpbase.org/

Electron microscopy & Cryo-EM

The Electron Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit of PICT operates cutting-edge equipment for high-definition biological imaging.

Offered Imaging

The platform is structured around two main areas:

Cryo-Electron Microscopy Imaging

This area focuses on low-temperature observation and high-resolution analysis of various biological systems (protein complexes, lipid assemblies, DNA constructs, etc.).

Sample preparation

Samples can be prepared on-site using two cryo-plungers (Leica EMGP 1 and 2) that allow vitrification of biological material in suspension, as well as a clipping station for preparing grids for observation in the cryo-microscope.

Image acquisition

Vitrified samples are observed in a Transmission Electron Microscope (Glacios – 200 kV – Falcon 4i), either through a series of independent 2D images or in tomographic acquisition mode. Acquisition sessions may be used for both condition screening and obtaining resolved structures.

In parallel, room-temperature negative staining can also be performed for rapid characterization of biological samples (Tecnai Spirit - 120 kv).

Services and expertise

The dedicated engineers have recognized expertise in sample preparation (choice of grids, vitrification parameters, etc.) and sample observation (adapted acquisition modes, optical parameters, etc.). They can therefore provide users with advice for their research projects and assist with instrument operation (Leica EMGP, EPU, Tomo).

In addition, the team has strong expertise in image analysis, with proficiency in established software for Single Particle Analysis (CryoSparc) and Tomography (IMOD), as well as the development of a semi-automated analysis pipeline for cryo-tomography (TomoCHAMPS) using niche software tools. This expertise can be shared with users and also enables the implementation of image analysis projects upon request.

Equipment list

Contacts: Aurélie Di Cicco – Julien Maufront – Daniel Lévy

Room-Temperature Imaging of Cellular and Tissue Sections

This area enables large-scale imaging of tissue and cell sections, while providing a high-definition visualization.

Sample preparation

Section preparation is carried out at room temperature or at low temperature (to preserve fine biological structures) using a High-Pressure Freezer, an ultra(cryo)microtome, and the technique of Advanced Freeze Substitution.

Image acquisition

Sections are observed in a Transmission Electron Microscope, either through independent 2D images (Tecnai Spirit - 120 kv) or in tomographic acquisition mode (Glacios - 200 kv - Ceta16M CMOS).

Equipment list

Contact: Maryse Romao

Access & Fees

The PICT Electron Microscopy Platform is open under certain conditions to all Curie Institute staff and external users.

If you have a project requiring the use of electron microscopy techniques, please follow the procedure below:

Send an email to one of the relevant contacts (see above) specifying your scientific project and imaging needs.
The imaging team will get back to you to discuss your project in more detail.

All users must register via the reservation software OpenIRIS: https://openiris.io/.

Access to the platform’s scientific services is subject to fees. Rates are provided upon request.

High Content Cellular Screening

BioPhenics est une plateforme de criblage cellulaire robotisée, axée sur la technologie du criblage cellulaire à haut-contenu (HCS ou high-content screening) qui travaille à la miniaturisation des tests biologiques, dans le but de les utiliser pour décrire finement l’ensemble des dérèglements cellulaires entraînés par des « perturbateurs » présents dans les chimiothèques ou siRNAthèques. La puissance de criblage cellulaire est ainsi mise au service de l’étude des grandes familles de protéines et de leurs partenaires, dans le contrôle de la physiologie cellulaire et leur implication dans de nombreuses maladies comme les cancers.

L’approche met en jeu :

(i) le développement des tests cellulaires permettant l’identification rapide et à large échelle des protéines marqueurs d’un statut physiologique ou d’une réponse fonctionnelle d’intérêt thérapeutique,

(ii) l’analyse des profils phénotypiques des banques d’ARNs interférants et des chimiothèques en fonction de leur intérêt théorique ou diagnostique/thérapeutique.

Les molécules montrant une activité significative (les «touches» ou «hits») sont testées à nouveau afin de confirmer leur effet sur les cellules. Elles sont ensuite étudiées de façon plus approfondie par des équipes de recherche porteuses du projet, afin de caractériser leur action biologique.

Ainsi, dans des lignées cellulaires à forte pertinence clinique, les criblages de collections de siRNAs et de petites molécules chimiques permettent d’identifier et de valider des cibles et de sélectionner des têtes de séries pharmacologiques.

Missions

Notre équipe vient en soutien aux chercheurs et médecins, pour les aider à transposer les connaissances fondamentales sur la cellule vers de possibles nouvelles applications thérapeutiques. A travers des projets de recherche cognitifs et appliqués, nous travaillons ensemble pour :

comprendre les mécanismes biologiques fondamentaux,
identifier des gènes responsables de pathologies humaines,
définir des cibles thérapeutiques, et enfin
trier des petites molécules, tête de série de futurs médicaments. Le phénotypage cellulaire permettra éventuellement d’en déterminer la cible, mais surtout de décrire l’ensemble des perturbations cellulaires entraînées par le composant ou siRNA testé. Ceci pourrait permettre, lors des phases d’optimisation des molécules, de découpler les effets bénéfiques spécifiques des effets toxiques généraux.

Collaborations : Notre activité est menée en partenariat avec des porteurs de projets via des collaborations scientifiques établies dans le cadre d’appels à projets publiés chaque année (ANR, INCA …). Une discussion préalable avec le porteur de projet nous permet d’évaluer : la faisabilité et la stratégie de criblage à adopter, mais aussi d’évaluer les coûts, les moyens humains à mettre en œuvre et de définir la stratégie de collaboration scientifique la plus adaptée.

Réseaux

La plateforme fait partie du réseau européen EuCAI qui regroupe plusieurs laboratoires européens spécialisées dans les technologies du drug discovery.
BioPhenics est aussi associée au réseau PICT-IBISA et le réseau français d’imagerie « France Bioimaging ».

Contact

bfx-screening@curie.fr

Plus d’informations sur le site Biophenics

Overview

Access

Terms of use policy

The use of the platform requires the approval of the user policy. Access to the platform constitutes acceptance of the terms of use.
The pdf file (in French and English) of the terms of use is available on this link: PICT Terms of Use

Access

The platform is accessible to all academic and private researchers.
The access procedure is described in the sub-menu of each technological pole (photonic microscopy, electron microscopy and broadband/Biophenics).

Procedure for extra training

You are already autonomous on one or more microscopes and want to either have additional training or become autonomous on a new system. You must request a new training by following the step described in Access & Prices.

Training plan

Training on an imaging system is done in four parts:

Training which includes theoretical description of the system and the reminder of the basics of microscopy,
A theoretical safety regulations training specific to the imaging centre, including if required laser safety and procedures for evacuations,
A practical training including among others the start/stop procedure of the system, the acquisition of 2D images up to 4D if necessary, data backup, data transfer, procedures for cleaning, booking systems.
A check of individual knowledge. The user is supervised during his first booking.

The duration of the training may vary according to the systems and knowledge of users. Training can be done individually or in small group of 3-4 people.

Booking

The booking system can only be done by users who have validated training. Each system requires proper training and authorization from a PICT team member. No exceptions will be accepted.

Procedure :

Once your training is confirmed, you can access the online booking system. To book a system, follow the procedure :

Open a web browser (Firefox, Safari, etc.)
go to the link: http://iris.science-it.ch/
Click Sign-in
Go to Scheduler and filter to find the resource you would like to book
Select the timeslot you want to book.

Warning :

Respect the rules of booking. Each system have their own booking restriction.
Cancellation can be done anytime but Deletion are only allowed 24 hours in advance.
Respect the material and other users !!

Basic rules

At the end of the session, the item must be returned in excellent condition:

For microscopes: data should be transferred and removed, bench and microscope should be fully cleaned.
For image processing computer: data should be transferred and removed, turn off the PC.

You are in charge of the system during all your session and you have to declare any problems that you could encounter. You can declare an incident online using OpenIRIS.

Feel free to give us any feedback concerning imaging systems.

Incident reporting

Please report any incident by using the incident form in http://iris.science-it.ch/or if urgent matter contact the PICT staff in charge of the microscope. Thank you in advance for your participation in order to maintain the system in perfect working condition

Satisfaction survey

We evaluate the quality of our service anaually to our users.
Access to the last survey results

Publications

The mission of the imaging team is to guide and assist users in acquiring and analyzing images. Thus, it’s not required to include any staff member of the imaging centre in the author list of the publication. However, when a staff member of the imaging centre has significantly contributed to a publication, it is logical and highly recommended to add this person in the list of authors.

Mention of the imaging centre in the publication
Users must indicate in the acknowledgment section that they have used the PICT imaging centre in any publication.
For example, « The authors would like to acknowledge the Cell and Tissue Imaging Platform – PICT-IBiSA (member of France–Bioimaging – ANR-10-INBS-04) of the [UMR144 or U934/UMR3215 or UMR3664 or UMR168 or Translational Department or NIMCE] of Institut Curie for help with [light or electron or high-content screening] microscopy”.

List of publications
Users must submit, as soon as possible, the references of any publications that have used the equipment of the imaging centre. These informations highlight the use of the equipment of the imaging centre, the efficiency of investment and facilitate all requests for funding for the acquisition of new microscopes.

Data back-up

The Institut Curie IT provides storage space for images. Please contact the IT department for any request. Your data must be saved after each session with your care.

Attention, we are not responsible for any data stored on machines connected to the system. User data will be automatically deleted after a few days. This ensures that there is always storage space for subsequent experiments. In addition, computers of the imaging centre belong to the Institut Curie and are therefore subject to the use of the IT. Moreover, it is strictly forbidden to: