2023RFP0035 - Inverted Microscope

The University of Calgary is requesting proposals for a fully-motorized inverted, research grade microscope.  The inverted microscope will be used for sarcomere mechanics experiments. The research that this system will be used for, is aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms of muscle contraction.  Traditionally, it has been thought that muscle contraction, and associated regulation of force, is exclusively associated with the molecular motor proteins actin and myosin (II). However, recent research has demonstrated that many mechanical properties of muscle cannot be explained with the current paradigm of muscle contraction, which relies on a two-filament (actin and myosin II) regulation of force production and it is likely that the filamentous protein titin forms the third myofilament in sarcomeres associated with muscle contraction and the regulation of active force.