Celebrating 50 Years of Nikon Small World Featuring Dr. Bruno Cisterna’s Groundbreaking Image
Welcome to Masters of Microscopy: The People Behind the Lens, where we showcase and celebrate the individuals who are the heart of the Nikon Small World competitions. They are scientists, artists, researchers, educators, and everyday curious individuals who uncover the fascinating microscopic world around us.
At 50 years old, Nikon Small World has seen its fair share of incredible photomicrographs. The driving force throughout the years is a community of individuals who are passionate about microscopy and bridging the gap between art and science for everyone to enjoy.
For Dr. Bruno Cisterna, a deep love of microscopy has been a close companion since his early studies at the University of Talca. It was there that he constructed a simple microscope from magnifying lenses, sparking his interest in the fundamental principles of microscopy and its ability to show the hidden details of the world around us. From that point on, he continued to build microscopes, always dreaming of acquiring a high-quality one for himself.
Dr. Bruno Cisterna
In 2007, he earned his bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from the University of Talca, followed by a master's in Medical Science from the University of Valparaíso, and a Ph.D. in Physiological Sciences from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Cristian Vilos at the University of Talca, he moved to the United States in 2021. Currently, he is a Research Scientist in Dr. Eric Vitriol's lab in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. His research focuses on studying cytoskeleton homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases, examining how disruptions in cytoskeletal dynamics can lead to neural dysfunction and cell death.
While Dr. Cisterna’s love for science is clear, winning first place in this year’s competition was unexpected. “This was the first time I entered the contest, and somehow I won,” Dr. Cisterna shared.
Dr. Cisterna alongside his winning image, taken with assistance from Dr. Eric Vitriol of Augusta University
He went on to add, “I’m deeply passionate about scientific imaging; I’ve been following the Nikon Small World contest for about 15 years. It's an incredible contest that not only highlights the beauty of photomicrography but also inspires continued exploration and innovation in the field."
The timing of Dr. Cisterna’s win couldn't have been better. Just four months ago, his image showcasing differentiated mouse brain tumor cells, highlighting the actin cytoskeleton, microtubules, and nuclei, was featured in the Journal of Cell Biology. Assisted by Dr. Eric Vitriol, the image reveals how disruptions in the cell's cytoskeleton – specifically the microtubule “highways” essential for cellular transport – can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
Dr. Cisterna’s work uncovered the critical role of profilin 1 (PFN1), a protein vital for building the cell's structure, in maintaining these microtubule highways. When PFN1 or related processes are disrupted, the microtubule highways malfunction, leading to cellular damage similar to that seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Cisterna observing cells during the growth process
His journey was not without its challenges. The most significant hurdle? Finding the optimal cell confluence to observe differentiated cells.
"I spent about three months perfecting the staining process to ensure clear visibility of the cells. After allowing five days for the cells to differentiate, I had to find the right field of view where the differentiated and non-differentiated cells interacted,” said Dr. Cisterna. “This took about three hours of precise observation under the microscope to capture the right moment, involving many attempts and countless hours of work to get it just right."
His passion, drive, and willingness to go to any lengths to find answers are clear in his detailed approach to research.
“I participated in the contest because I have been using Nikon calendars for years. This year, I decided to take a chance and submit some of my photomicrographs,” Dr. Cisterna shared. “The competition is fantastic as it has a wide scope and helps to showcase the beauty of scientific photomicrography.”
Outside the lab, Dr. Cisterna enjoys playing on a local soccer team and cheering for Colo-Colo, his favorite Chilean soccer team. When he’s not busy with his research, soccer, or even skydiving, he loves spending time hiking with his family, whether in the United States or visiting his hometown in Chile.
Dr. Cisterna enjoying various hobbies
As Nikon Small World celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that the competition will continue to inspire and recognize the remarkable contributions of scientists and enthusiasts like Dr. Cisterna, who bring both passion and curiosity to the microscopic world.
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