Associate professor Johanne Tracey Jacobsen at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at UiO works extensively with animal models and advanced equipment in her research. At KPM-UiO, she studies germinal centres, which are highly organised microanatomical structures in lymph nodes and the spleen.
The most important instrument in Jacobsen’s research is the two-photon microscope. She describes the two-photon microscope she uses at KPM-UiO as an advanced instrument that makes it possible to image cellular processes deep within living tissue, with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Studying single cells in real time
Intravital microscopy is a technique that allows the researcher to study individual cells in real time within a living organism, instead of only studying a static snapshot of the tissue afterwards. Jacobsen’s research aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms that govern the immune system’s response to vaccines and infections.
“The processes that take place in germinal centres are absolutely crucial for the development of high-affinity antibodies and long-lasting immunological memory. This is also where the body determines how to avoid the immune system attacking the body’s own cells and tissues”, she says.
Developing new animal models in collaboration with the Norwegian Transgenic Centre
In addition to her work with the microscope, the researcher from the Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine collaborates closely with the Norwegian Transgenic Centre at KPM-UiO. Jacobsen makes use of the equipment and expertise they possess to generate new genetic mouse models.
“These models are tailored to give us the opportunity to ask questions that previously could not be addressed experimentally. The goal is to achieve new mechanistic insights that in the long term may contribute to the development of better vaccines and new treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases”, the associate professor explains.
“It is a great advantage to have the resource that the Norwegian Transgenic Centre represents available under the same roof”.
Specifically adapted for advanced experimental work
According to the researcher, KPM-UiO offers exceptional infrastructure for the type of research her group carries out.
“The facilities are large, modern and well equipped. The rooms are specifically adapted for advanced experimental work with a high degree of flexibility. The technical equipment is extensive and of high quality, and operations are professional and reliable”, she says.
Jacobsen is also keen to emphasise that KPM-UiO houses large imaging facilities linked to PET and MRI. Her research group is looking forward to integrating these into future projects.
The combination of these modalities with our existing intravital microscopy platform opens up very exciting possibilities, she says.
Strict monitoring of health and hygiene
Good and stable operations are also something the researcher particularly wishes to highlight.
“The strict health-monitoring and hygiene regime at KPM-UiO provides us the confidence to plan long-term and complex projects, knowing that unforeseen health issues in the colonies will not compromise experimental reproducibility or progress”.