Core Grant for Vision Research

描述(由申请者提供)：这份来自威斯康星大学视觉研究人员的P30核心助学金申请提出了三个模块。这些是基因传递/定量分子生物学、病理学与成像、动物模型/眼器官培养。高效地将基因输送到细胞的能力是治疗眼病的一种强有力的新的治疗方法。此外，在培养中向细胞传递基因是一种重要的研究工具。基因传递模块将构建载体，准备这些材料的高滴度库存供研究人员使用，并协助研究人员使用基因传递方法。定量方法在分子生物学中的应用越来越广泛。特别是利用RT-PCR技术对基因表达进行定量，并利用阵列技术分析基因表达的变化。定量分子生物学模块将为这些领域提供专门的技术专长，这将增强目前使用这些方法的研究人员的能力，但更重要的是，核心将使目前没有使用这些技术的研究人员更容易将它们添加到他们的研究计划中。随着对转化性研究的重视，病理分析和复杂的成像方法变得越来越重要。这些方法对于使用动物模型进行研究也是至关重要的。病理和成像模块将提供先进的组织学、显微镜和图像分析，以及组织切片和培养细胞的形态测量。新疗法的开发和提高我们对视觉系统功能的理解依赖于将体外所做的工作转移到动物模型上。动物模型和眼器官培养模块将帮助研究人员使用动物模型(灵长类和啮齿动物)、实验性青光眼诱导、成像和眼生理学。这种专业知识将帮助核心用户评估他们的代理人、操作和载体/结构对啮齿动物和灵长类动物眼功能的影响。这些单元提供的服务已经运行了一段时间，但由于缺乏持续的支持，特别是缺乏人员，它们协助研究人员的能力受到限制。这项提议的资金将使我们能够提高我们的生产力，更及时地开展工作，加快校园视觉研究的进展步伐。这将使我们能够扩大对校园内眼科研究人员的援助，或许还会吸引其他研究人员参与眼科研究。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This P30 Core Grant for Vision Research application from the University of Wisconsin Vision Researchers proposes three modules. These are Gene Delivery/Quantitative Molecular Biology,Pathology and Imaging, and Animal Models/ Eye Organ Culture. The ability to efficiently deliver genes to cells is a powerful new therapeutic approach in treating ocular disease. In addition, gene delivery to cells in culture is an essential research tool. The Gene Delivery Module will construct vectors, prepare high titer stocks of these materials for use by researchers, and assist investigators with gene delivery methods. The use of quantitative methods in molecular biology is growing. In particular, the quantitation of gene expression by RT-PCR and the analysis of gene expression changes using array technology. The Quantitative Molecular Biology Module will provide dedicated technical expertise to these areas will enhance the abilities of those researchers currently using these methods but more importantly, the core will make it easier for researchers currently not using these technologies to add them to their research programs. Pathology analysis and sophisticated imaging methods have become increasingly important, as the emphasis on translational research has grown. These methodologies are also critical for studies using animal models. The Pathology and Imaging Module will provide advanced histology, microscopy and image analysis, and morphometry of tissue sections and cultured cells. The development of new therapies and improving our understanding of visual system function relies on transferring work done in vitro to animal models. The Animal Model and Eye Organ Culture Module will assist investigators in using animal models (primate and rodent), experimental glaucoma induction, imaging and ocular physiology. This expertise will aid the efforts of core users in assessing the effects of their agents, manipulations, and vectors/constructs on ocular function in rodents and primates. The services provided by these modules have been functioning for some time, but their ability to assist researchers has been limited by a lack of consistent support, and particularly by a lack of personnel. Funding of this proposal will enable us to improve our productivity and conduct work in a more timely manner, speeding the pace of progress in vision research on campus. It will allow us to expand the assistance available to eye researchers on campus and perhaps attract other investigators to eye research.