Vision Research Infrastructure Development Grant (R24)

描述（由申请人提供）：此R24申请的目的是提高奥克兰大学视觉研究人员的研究能力，并促进大学内视觉研究社区与附属威廉博蒙特医院眼科之间的合作研究。10名研究人员，其中7名来自美国国立大学眼科研究所，3名来自美国国立大学生物科学系，被指定为该项目的参与者。其中六名研究人员获得了独立的NEI研究奖，其中一名研究人员的一等奖申请正在审查中。项目包括晶状体和白内障，健康和疾病中的视网膜生物化学和代谢，青光眼中细胞外基质在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和视网膜发育中基因表达的协调。为了重新组织和扩大现有的组织培养和电子显微镜/组织学模块，需要支持两个模块，细胞和分子生物学，以及眼部结构和成像，这些模块来自过去16年来由美国大学持有的先前NEI核心赠款。细胞和分子生物学模块将在组织培养、基本分子技术、DNA测序和微阵列技术等领域为美国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传感DNA阵列设施相结合。眼部结构和成像模块将通过提供最先进的超结构和成像分析能力，使用荧光、常规光和共聚焦显微镜，以及扫描和透射电子显微镜，增强R24参与者的视觉研究环境。在共享使用的基础上提供所要求的设施将大大提高美国调查人员以及博蒙特医院的眼科医生、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描述的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.