CAREER: Modeling dorsal root ganglia: electrophysiology of microelectrode recording and stimulation

PI：Bruns，TimothyProposal#：1653080这个项目的目标是研究和开发一个背根节的计算机模型。背根神经节是紧靠脊髓的神经系统的一部分。最近，背根神经节被视为一个刺激的地方，以帮助有不同医疗条件的人，如慢性疼痛、脊髓损伤和截肢。刺激背根神经节的电流电极可以改进。这将允许增加对病人的护理。我们相信，对DRG功能的更深入了解将有助于电极的改进。将进行两项主要的研究。首先，在动物研究中，将在背根节及其附近使用小电极。这些研究将提高对DRG神经发出的信号的理解。其次，将研究DRG中的细胞类型，并将创建和验证DRG的计算机模型。这个模型将提高我们对DRG功能的理解，并允许开发针对DRG的治疗方法，例如改善疼痛控制或影响瘫痪患者的肠道和膀胱功能。计划开展外展活动，让中学生到大学生接触到令人兴奋的生物电世界。将为当地年轻人举办工作坊，介绍神经系统是如何工作的。此外，还将开发一个教授神经系统基础知识的电脑游戏。该项目的目标是从电生理学和解剖学角度描述末端模型背根神经节(DRG)的特征。背根神经节是一种独特的神经系统结构，感觉神经元的细胞体集中在脊髓附近。背根神经节已经成为治疗干预的一个有吸引力的地方，应用范围从慢性疼痛调节到脊髓损伤后的膀胱控制；然而，目前电极与背根神经节的接口用于临床护理和临床前研究缺乏有效性。虽然单个DRG神经元已经在体外神经科学应用中得到了很好的表征和利用，但在体内整个DRG的排列和电学特性还不清楚。该项目将在体内测量DRG-电极相互作用的电生理学特征，并开发一种DRG-电极相互作用的电子预测方法。该模型将提供预测部分和全部DRG激活以及电和感觉刺激的神经信号的能力。这项提案的教育目标是开发新的生物电学教材，并在密歇根大学内外现有教材的基础上扩展，重点关注从中学到大学的学生。此外，还将开发一款手机游戏，可以用来吸引和教育K12学生以及普通公众关于神经科学的知识。

PI: Bruns, TimothyProposal #: 1653080The goal of this project is to study and develop a computer model for dorsal root ganglia (DRG). DRG are part of the nervous system next to the spinal cord. Recently, DRG are being looked at as a place to stimulate to help people with different medical conditions such as chronic pain, spinal cord injury, and amputation. Current electrodes that stimulate DRG can be improved. This would allow for increases in patient care. We believe that a greater understanding of DRG function will help lead to electrode improvements. Two main research studies will be performed. First, small electrodes will be used in and near the DRG in animal studies. These studies will improve understanding of the signals made by DRG nerves. Second, the cell types in DRG will be studied and a computer model of the DRG will be created and validated. This model will improve our understanding of how the DRG functions and allow for the development of treatments that can be directed towards the DRG, such as to improve pain control or impact bowel and bladder function in individuals with paralysis. Outreach activities are planned that will expose middle school through college students to the exciting world of bioelectricity. Workshops will be held for local youths on how the nervous system works. In addition, a computer game will be created that teaches the basics of the nervous system.The objective of this project is to electrophysiologically and anatomically characterize end model dorsal root ganglia (DRG). DRG are unique nervous system structures where cell bodies for sensory neurons are concentrated next to the spinal cord. DRG have become an attractive location for therapeutic intervention, with applications ranging from chronic pain modulation to bladder control after spinal cord injury; however current electrode interfaces with DRG for clinical care and preclinical studies lack efficacy. While individual DRG neurons have been well characterized and utilized in in vitro neuroscience applications, the arrangement and electrical characteristics f in vivo whole DRG is not understood. This project will measure in vivo electrophysiology characterization of DRG-electrode interactionsas well as developing an in silico prediction of DRG-electrode interactions. The model will provide the ability to predict partial- and whole-DRG activation and neural signals for electrical and sensory stimuli. The educational objective of this proposal is to develop new and expand upon existing bioelectricity educational materials within and outside the University of Michigan by focusing on students from middle school through university level. In addition, a mobile game will be developed that can be used to interest and education K12 students as well as the general public about neuroscience.