Imaging Neural Circuit Activity in the Mammalian Central Nervous System

描述(由申请人提供)：布兰迪斯大学拥有22个神经科学研究实验室，是一个丰富和协作的神经科学研究环境。然而，主要使用体外技术的细胞和分子神经学家与使用纯行为、电生理和计算方法了解电路功能的系统级神经科学家之间存在差距。在完整的大脑中光学成像的最新进展提供了一种将细胞和电路分析与哺乳动物的功能和行为联系起来的手段。因此，我们正在寻求聘请一名具有专业知识的研究人员，利用光学成像方法来扰乱特定的神经元和电路，同时评估完整哺乳动物大脑的功能影响。这个职位的目标是形成一个核心的神经科学家小组，专注于了解皮质回路的功能及其在哺乳动物行为产生中的作用。由于目前的经济环境和建立体内双光子成像实验室的相关巨额费用，布兰迪斯大学没有支持这一职位所需的启动资金。因此，我们正在申请资金，以支持Brandeis大学生物系和神经科学项目聘用一名专注于哺乳动物中枢神经系统电路活体成像的终身教职助理教授。 与公共健康相关：许多研究现在指出，回路形成和功能缺陷可能是导致自闭症谱系障碍和精神分裂症等神经疾病的原因。因此，一种多学科的方法来阐明电路的发展，结合皮质电路的体内成像，电生理学和分子生物学，有可能对这些疾病的潜在原因产生重要的见解。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Brandeis University is home to 22 neuroscience research laboratories and is a rich and collaborative environment for neuroscience research. However, a gap exists between cellular and molecular neuroscientists using mainly in vitro techniques, and the systems-level neuroscientists using purely behavioral, electrophysiological, and computational approaches to understanding circuit function. Recent advances in optical imaging in the intact brain have provided a means of linking cellular and circuit analysis to function and behavior in mammals. Thus, we are seeking to hire a researcher with expertise in utilizing optical imaging methods to perturb particular neurons and circuits while assessing the functional effects in the intact mammalian brain. The goal is for this position to nucleate a core group of neuroscientists focused on understanding the function of cortical circuits and their role in generating mammalian behaviors. Due to the current economic climate and the significant expenses associated with setting up an in vivo 2 photon imaging laboratory, Brandeis University does not have the start-up funds necessary to support such a position. Thus, we are requesting funds to support the hiring of a tenure-track assistant professor focusing on in vivo imaging of circuits in the mammalian CNS into the Biology Department and Neuroscience Program at Brandeis University. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Numerous studies now point to defects in circuit formation and function as a possible cause for neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach to elucidating circuit development, incorporating in vivo imaging of cortical circuits, electrophysiology, and molecular biology, has the potential to yield important insights into the underlying cause of these disorders.