Zenker Lab unveils new state-of-the-art ZEISS microinjection system to enhance cytoskeleton discoveries

The Zenker Lab at ARMI has recently completed the installation of a cutting-edge ZEISS microinjection system which will enable them to perform more advanced experiments to understand early development, paving the way for new regenerative therapies.

The microinjection system, purchased by the Zenker Lab and ARMI, is a high-precision microscope combined with specialised manipulation tools. It enables researchers to work directly with embryos at the single-cell level during their development. Using the glass needles controlled with exceptional accuracy, the Zenker Lab can perform delicate procedures that are crucial for studying embryonic development and cell function. 

“Every tissue, every organ, every part of who we are originates from one initial cell,” A/Professor Zenker emphasised. “By understanding this process, we’re not just satisfying scientific curiosity; we’re laying the groundwork for repairing any tissue damaged by injury or disease.”

By introducing genetic material, proteins, or other substances directly into individual cells of living embryos, the Zenker Lab can now map the cytoskeleton, the cell’s internal scaffolding, with extraordinary precision.

“We’re excited to push forward with some ambitious new experiments examining the real-time dynamics of the cytoskeleton as cells differentiate from one type to another,” A/Professor Zenker said. 

“During embryonic development, unspecialised cells progressively become more specialised until they finally take on their final form, like a skin or muscle cell. Using the microinjection system we can visualise how the cytoskeleton functions as a cell becomes more specialised, and understand more about its active role in those changes.”

Using the microinjection system requires a highly specialised skillset – one that is in short supply Australia-wide. Given this scarcity of trained operators in Australia, the Zenker Lab has ensured their team includes specially-trained personnel like postdoctoral researcher Dr Hongbin Jin (pictured, left). Dr Jin is one of the few people in Victoria with the skillset needed to use the microinjection system effectively, and brings a strong track record of pioneering work in embryo development to the team.

The installation process was supported by exceptional customer service from ZEISS, with special recognition to engineer Taki Te Koi (pictured, right), whose expertise was instrumental in setting up the equipment.

We look forward to sharing the work that emerges from this new chapter of discovery for the Zenker Lab, as they push the boundaries of regenerative medicine and aim to revolutionise our approach to tissue repair and healing. 

All images and videos were produced by the Zenker Lab.