With recent advancements in single-cell analysis and imaging, the MSL’s Leslie Lab is emerging as a leader in this rapidly growing field of research. Working at the intersection of physics and biology, the lab is focused on developing a better understanding of single-cell and molecule interactions that could improve medical therapies.

In the fall of 2022, the lab received funding in collaboration with the Foster lab for a Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (Pacifican) grant totaling $3.5 million with the aim to “Improve the delivery technology behind mRNA vaccines and other nanomedicines”. This enabled them to expand their array of CLiC technology single-molecule and single-cell imaging microscopes. The CLiC platform is an innovative high-resolution microscopy system, translated by UBC-spin-out ScopeSys, used to image single cells and their interactions with molecules, as well as the interactions between the molecules themselves. This “tetherless” technology allows scientists to observe single cells and molecules without the use of additional chemistry that holds them in place, which in turn can affect their behaviours and interactions. In these “life-like” conditions, scientists can observe and measure the properties and interactions of these molecules and apply the information gathered to improve therapeutic design.

(This story is taken from the MSL News, 2023)