Functional, multidimensional optical microscopy to analyze the function of myeloid cells during bone regeneration

Functions of immune cells are linked to metabolic profiles, which are affected by changes in the tissue microenvironment. Focusing on bone regeneration after injury, we aim to understand how the microenvironment affects the metabolism of myeloid cells in the bone marrow over time. We developed a lens implant for longitudinal intravital imaging of the mouse femur, to enable metabolic profiling of myeloid cells. Our studies demonstrate a high degree of spatiotemporal metabolic flexibility of myeloid cells in vivo over the course of regeneration.

Anja Hauser holds the Professorship for Immune Dynamics at Charité – Universitätsmedizin and heads Program Area “Cell and Tissue Immunology” at Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin. She investigates how the immune system is organized in a spatial and temporal manner, developing and applying advanced imaging technologies. 

Moderation: Professorin Dr. Anca Dorhoi