Ultrafast Functional Ultrasound Imaging of the Brain

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We represent a unique group of cellular and systems level neuroscientists concentrated in a Neuroscience focused building on the campus of Université de Montréal (UdeM), working across different animal models. The scope of our research projects is currently limited by an urgent lack of infrastructure for functional imaging of network level activity in deep cortical layers and subcortical brain regions with no such equipment present on UdeM campus. Ultrasound Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUS) is a rapidly emerging mesoscopic imaging method in neuroscience, which measures changes in blood velocity or volume with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution at depths of 1.5 centimeters. FUS is advantageous to other brain wide hemodynamic imaging approaches (e.g. fMRI) in terms of its cost, spatialtemporal resolution, compatibility with other optical and electrophysiology equipment, and ease of use in awake, behaving, and even freely moving animals. We urgently need an fUS system on campus at Université de Montréal to answer fundamental neuroscience questions within our research programs. The addition of this infrastructure will: 1) Provide an urgently needed platform for imaging mesoscale brain activity patterns in animal models and training of HQP in this domain; 2) Facilitate functional imaging of deep brain regions and across species in our group; 3) Improve our understanding and interpretation of hemodynamic brain imaging signals; 4) Lead to development of novel fUS data acquisition and image reconstruction approaches; 5) Integrate cellular and systems level neuroscientists in our groups. We are uniquely poised to capitalize on the unique expertise of recently recruited NSERC funded researchers who have established expertise in development and application of FUS imaging technologies and their combination with cellular and molecular approaches. By implementing a fUS system at UdeM, a rapidly expanding technique at the forefront of brain imaging, we will position ourselves strategically as leaders in this field within Canada. The implementation of an ultrafast functional ultrasound imaging platform in the hands of neuroscientists at UdeM, will promote the integration of cellular and systems level approaches in our research groups and train HQP on the most current and advanced imaging technologies in a strong multidisciplinary environment. Over the long term, research performed on this fUS imaging system will help bridge animal and human studies.