CAREER: Multi-scale Imaging of Neural Interconnects using MRI-compatible Parallel Photonic Needle Interface

Chen的长期研究目标是建立一个新的多模态成像平台，将光学成像和MRI结合起来，用于神经活动的多尺度并行成像。作为实现这一目标的一步，本CAREER提案中的拟议研究目标是：1）使用多对比OCT研究深度分辨神经生理变化; 2）实施MRI兼容并行光子针接口（PPNI），用于同步MRI/OCT; 3）在活体动物中建立多尺度MRI/PPNI-OCT成像。他们将把这种新的成像技术应用于小鼠三叉神经系统，该系统与各种大脑结构中与胡须相关的神经模块的图案化阵列相关，并提供了一个很好的模型系统来研究神经图案形成和可塑性的细胞和分子机制。他们将使用PPNI-OCT/MRI对皮质和皮质下三叉神经中心的胡须相关神经元群体进行成像，这将允许同时研究脑干，丘脑和皮质中的胡须诱发活动模式。

Abstract#1254743ChenThe long-term research goal is to establish a new multi-modal imaging platform that combines optical imaging and MRI for multi-scale parallel imaging of neural activity. As a step towards this goal, the proposed research objectives in this CAREER proposal are: 1) Investigate depth-resolved neural physiological changes using multi-contrast OCT; 2) Implement MRI-compatible parallel photonic needle interface (PPNI) for simultaneous MRI/OCT; 3) Establish multi-scale MRI/PPNI-OCT imaging in liveanimals. They will apply this novel imaging technique to the mouse trigeminal system, which is associated with patterned array of whisker-related neural modules in various brain structures, and provides an excellent model system to investiate cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural pattern formation and plasticity. They will image populations of whisker-related neurons in the cortex and subcortical trigeminal centers using PPNI-OCT/MRI, which will allow to simultaneously investigate whisker-evoked activity patterns in the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex.