Novel Multi-Depth Two-Photon Microscope for Measuring Neuronal Network Plasticity

项目摘要 几十年来对人类和动物模型的研究表明，海马体是一个关键的 这是一种既涉及记忆形成又涉及空间导航的大脑结构。这两个计算 被认为是在我们的环境中创建一个认知地图，其中通常包含动态的感官 随着时间不断变化的特征。然而，我们不知道这些看似独立的计算 海马体内的神经元是相互依赖的，招募共同的回路，或利用类似的编码策略。在 父母R21开拓者奖，我们建议建立一个新的显微镜，能够成像神经元 活动在多个海马子领域同时，以了解海马如何学习动态 通过研究老鼠音乐记忆的形成来获得信息。在多样性补充中，候选人 Cristian Sharp计划利用这种显微镜技术来研究海马体及其 包含动态感觉信息的空间环境导航的不同子领域。 克里斯蒂安的目标是成为一名神经科学家，致力于尖端神经技术和设计 严谨的实验来回答关于大脑功能的基本问题。作为当前多样性的一部分， 补充，我们已经制定了详细的职业发展计划，这将有助于克里斯蒂安的过渡， 物理学领域的生物学，并准备他在神经科学研究生院1）与经验丰富的工作， 多学科的导师团队，其中包括博士马修Shtrahman，布伦达Bloodgood，和大卫 克莱菲尔德; 2）遵循个性化的学习计划，通过正式的课程掌握生物学的核心概念， 课程作业; 3）进行以假设为中心的生物学研究; 4）学习交流他的 通过科学讲座，手稿和资助申请进行研究; 5）参加专业发展 课程和研究会议;以及6）准备和提交NSF研究生研究奖学金 在奖励期内申请。在NIH多样性补充的支持下， 职业发展的里程碑，克里斯蒂安将为研究生院和他未来的研究生涯做好准备 在神经科学中。

PROJECT SUMMARY Decades of studies in both human subjects and animal models indicate that the hippocampus is a critical brain structure involved in both the formation of memories and spatial navigation. Both of these computations are thought to create a cognitive map of features within our environment, which often contains dynamic sensory features that continuously change with time. However, it is not known if these seemingly separate computations within the hippocampus are interdependent, recruit common circuits, or utilize similar encoding strategies. In the parent R21 Trailblazer Award, we proposed to build a novel microscope that is capable of imaging neuronal activity in multiple hippocampal subfields simultaneously in order to ask how the hippocampus learns dynamic information by studying the formation of musical memories in mice. In the diversity supplement, the candidate Cristian Sharp plans to capitalize on this microscope technology to study the role of the hippocampus and its different subfields in navigation of spatial environments containing dynamic sensory information. Cristian’s goal is to become a neuroscientist, working on cutting edge neurotechnology and designing rigorous experiments to answer fundamental questions about brain function. As part of the current diversity supplement we have devised a detailed career development plan that will facilitate Cristian’s transition from the field of physics to biology and prepare him for graduate school in neuroscience by 1) working with an experienced multidisciplinary team of mentors, which include Drs. Matthew Shtrahman, Brenda Bloodgood, and David Kleinfeld; 2) following an individualized learning plan, mastering core concepts in biology through formal coursework; 3) performing hypothesis-focused biological research; 4) learning to communicate about his research through scientific lectures, manuscripts, and grant applications; 5) attending professional development courses and research conferences; and 6) preparing and submitting an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship application during the award period. With the support of the NIH diversity supplement and by achieving these career development milestones, Cristian will be well-poised for graduate school and his future research career in neuroscience.