Imaging Neural Circuit Activity in the Mammalian Central Nervous System

布兰代斯大学拥有22个神经科学研究实验室，是神经科学研究的丰富和协作环境。然而，主要使用体外技术的细胞和分子神经科学家与使用纯粹的行为，电生理和计算方法来理解电路功能的系统水平神经科学家之间存在差距。在完整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方法。因此，我们正在寻求聘请一位具有利用光学成像方法扰乱特定神经元和电路的专业知识的研究人员，同时评估完整哺乳动物大脑的功能影响。该职位的目标是培养一批核心神经科学家，专注于理解皮层回路的功能及其在产生哺乳动物行为中的作用。由于当前的经济环境以及建立体内2光子成像实验室相关的巨额费用，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，以支持聘请一位终身助理教授，专注于在哺乳动物中枢神经系统中的电路的体内成像到布兰迪斯大学的生物学系和神经科学计划。 公共卫生相关性：许多研究现在指出，电路形成和功能的缺陷可能是导致自闭症谱系障碍和精神分裂症等神经系统疾病的原因。因此，结合皮质回路的体内成像、电生理学和分子生物学来阐明回路发育的多学科方法有可能对这些疾病的根本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.