A FUGE Nor-MIC Node in Live Cell Imaging and Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis in Plants

There is a growing need to understand fundamental plant processes at the subcellular level. With respect to this it is of paramount importance to the Norwegian research community that a National Imaging Service and Training facility exists to meet these f uture demands. In addition a Molecular Imaging Centre node will attract increased international collaborations. My laboratory has more than 5 years extensive experience in live cell imaging and protein-protein interaction technologies in plants cells and we are very keen to offer this expertise to the Norwegian research community through service and the training of both young and more experienced scientists. Although live cell imaging and protein-protein interaction technologies for plant cells exist i n some laboratories in Norway it is important to have the expertise and track record to validate the existence of such a facility. We have published extensively regarding live cell imaging and protein-protein interaction analysis in high impact journals ( EMBO J, PNAS, EMBO Rep, JBC, Plant Cell, JCS etc) and believe that we would offer a highly reliable, efficient and quality driven service and training facility based on these criteria. Apart from providing a service and training facility the Nor-MIC node at in Stavanger will continuously develop new molecular markers and technologies within live cell imaging which will be shared with the entire Norwegina research community through workshops and a dedicated website. Although the main focus of the Nor-MIC node at The University of Stavanger will be on plantc ells the expertise and continued technology development will be of high value to the entire Nor-MIC consortium.