Vision Research Infrastructure Development Grant (R24)

描述(申请人提供)：这份R24申请的目的是提高奥克兰大学视力研究人员的研究能力，并促进奥克兰大学与附属威廉·博蒙特医院眼科的视力研究社区之间的合作研究。10名研究人员，其中7人来自俄亥俄大学眼科研究所，3人来自俄亥俄大学生物科学部，被指定为该项目的参与者。其中六名研究人员拥有独立的NEI研究奖项，一名研究人员的一等奖申请目前正在审查中。课程包括晶状体和白内障，健康和疾病中的视网膜生化和新陈代谢，细胞外基质在青光眼神经节细胞死亡中的作用，视网膜变性的光感受器相关机制，以及视网膜发育中基因表达的协调。需要支持两个模块，细胞和分子生物学以及眼结构和成像，以重组和扩展现有的组织培养和电子显微镜/组织学模块，该模块是由O.U在过去16年中持有的NEI核心赠款的基础上的。细胞和分子生物学模块将在组织培养、基本分子技术、DNA测序和微阵列技术领域为O.U.U视觉研究人员提供帮助，后者与密歇根大学凯洛格眼科中心的Sensory DNA阵列设施一起提供帮助。眼睛结构和成像模块将通过提供最先进的超微结构和使用荧光、常规光学和共聚焦显微镜以及扫描和透射电子显微镜进行图像分析的能力，来改善R24参与者的视觉研究环境。在共用的基础上提供所需的设施将极大地提高OU调查人员以及博蒙特医院眼科医生、住院医生和研究员的视力研究能力，否则他们将无法负担与所述先进技术相关的复杂设备和服务。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this R24 application is to enhance the research capabilities of Oakland University's vision researchers, and promote collaborative research among the vision research community within the University and the affiliated William Beaumont Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology. Ten investigators, seven from the Eye Research Institute at O.U. and three from the O.U. Department of Biological Sciences, are designated as participants in the program. Six of the investigators hold independent NEI research awards, and one has a first-award application currently under review. Programs include lens and cataract, retinal biochemistry and metabolism in health and disease, the role of extracellular matrix in ganglion cell death in glaucoma, photoreceptor-related mechanisms of retinal degeneration and coordination of gene expression in retinal development. Support is requested for two Modules, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Ocular Structure and Imaging, in order to reorganize and expand existing Tissue Culture and Electron Microscopy/Histology Modules from a prior NEI Core Grant held by O.U. for the past 16 years. The Cell and Molecular Biology Module will provide assistance to O.U. vision researchers in the areas of tissue culture, basic molecular techniques, DNA sequencing and microarray technology, the latter in conjunction with the Sensory DNA Array Facility at the Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan. The Ocular Structure and Imaging Module will enhance the vision research environment of R24 participants by providing state-of-the-art capabilities for ultrastructure and imaging analysis using epifluorescence, routine light and confocal microscopy, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The availability of the requested facilities on a shared-use basis will greatly increase the vision research capabilities of O.U. investigators as well as Ophthalmologists, Residents and Fellows at Beaumont Hospital, who would otherwise not be able to afford the sophisticated equipment and services associated with the advanced techniques that are described.