Research Center for Auditory and Vestibular Studies

描述(由申请人提供)：本补充申请是为了支持在圣路易斯华盛顿大学已建立的研究核心中心增加一个感觉功能核心。听觉和前庭研究研究中心旨在加强NIDCD资助的研究人员的现有研究计划，提供集中的资源，并促进中心研究人员在四大类研究(生长、损伤、疾病以及正常和恢复的功能)之间的合作互动。目前的P30奖支持组织学和显微镜/数字成像核心。感觉功能核心提供对整个动物的多模式评估，特别是筛选潜在的内耳和视觉缺陷。许多分子或细胞层面的发现对感觉功能有着意想不到的影响。这一现象在新创建的转基因小鼠模型中尤其如此，这些模型经常出现意想不到的表型。然而，测试感觉功能所需的专业知识和昂贵的设备超出了其他学科的大多数研究人员的承受能力。这一核心为感觉功能的全面评估创造了一个集中的资源，整个华盛顿大学的研究人员都可以使用该资源。事实上，感官测试核心的承诺已经被认为是华盛顿大学新成立的功能评估核心的主要资产和补充。Sensory Function Core的主要重点是进行听觉功能测试，包括听觉脑干反应(有无掩蔽)和耳声发射。这个核心还提供了进行噪声暴露和评估前庭和视觉功能的设施和设备，使其成为华盛顿大学社区内筛查内耳和视觉功能障碍的独特资源。核心董事职位由在多感官测试和噪音暴露方面拥有专业知识的知名科学家共同担任。核心与研究中心的管理结构紧密结合在一起。核心将由内部和外部顾问提供咨询。核心联席董事和训练有素的工作人员将就最合适的测试向调查人员提供建议，以运行和解决动物年龄、压力和测试时间考虑因素(例如，受伤后)。工作人员将进行感官测试，并提供表格、数字和书面摘要。核心董事、顾问和工作人员还将提供对调查结果的解释，就统计分析向调查人员提供建议，并提出任何需要的额外测试。核心能够处理两栖动物、鸟类和小型哺乳动物。核心操作的基础是明确的优先顺序、与研究中心成员培养新的合作以及由在内耳研究方面经验丰富的研究人员进行指导。感觉功能核心将进一步促进NIH资助的研究人员和新研究努力之间的互动。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This supplemental application is to support the addition of a Sensory Function Core to an established Research Core Center at Washington University in St. Louis. The Research Center for Auditory and Vestibular Studies is designed to enhance existing research programs of NIDCD-funded investigators, provide centralized resources, and to facilitate cooperative interactions among Center investigators within four broad categories of research (growth, injury, disease, and normal and recovered function). The current P30 award supports the Histology and Microscopy/Digital Imaging cores. The Sensory Function Core offers multi-modality assessment of whole animals specifically screening for potential inner ear and visual deficits. Many discoveries at the molecular or cellular level hold unexpected implications for sensory function. This phenomenon is particularly true of newly created transgenic mouse models, which often present with unexpected phenotypes. Yet the specialized knowledge and expensive equipment needed to test sensory function lies beyond the reach of most investigators in other disciplines. This core creates a centralized resource for the comprehensive evaluation of sensory function that will be available to investigators throughout Washington University. In fact, the promise of a sensory testing core has been recognized as a major asset and complement for the newly established Functional Assessment Core at Washington University. The primary focus of the Sensory Function Core is to conduct tests of auditory function that includes auditory brainstem responses (with and without masking) and otoacoustic emissions. This core also provides facilities and equipment for conducting noise exposures and assessing vestibular and visual function making it a unique resource within the Washington University community to screen for inner ear and visual dysfunction. Core directorship is shared by established scientists with expertise in multi-sensory testing and noise exposure. The core is tightly integrated into the administrative structure of the research center. The core will be advised by both internal and external consultants. Core Co-Directors and trained staff will advise investigators regarding the most appropriate tests to run and address animal age, strain, and time-of-test considerations (e.g., post-injury). Staff will conduct sensory tests and provide tabular digital and written summaries. Core directors, advisors, and staff will also provide interpretation of findings, advise investigators on statistical analyses, and propose any additional tests needed. The core is capable of handling amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Core operation is founded on principles of clear prioritization, fostering new collaborations with Research Center members, and mentoring by investigators experienced in the study of the inner ear. The Sensory Function Core will further promote interaction among NIH-funded investigators and new research endeavors.