Core Grant for Vision Research

描述（由申请人提供）：视觉研究核心基金将通过支持四个服务模块，进一步支持明尼苏达大学17名拥有16项NEI-R01资助的视觉研究人员的研究目标。视觉测试模块将通过测量视网膜电图、视觉诱发电位和光动力学反应来评估大鼠、小鼠和其他小动物的视觉功能。该模块将由一名视觉测试技术人员管理，他将维护测试设备，为核心基金的研究人员和工作人员提供培训，并在实验动物身上进行测试。神经成像模块将协助研究者研究人类和非人类灵长类动物的高阶视觉功能。该模块将提供一名神经成像专家的服务，以及(1)在磁共振扫描仪中向受试者呈现视觉刺激的软件协议和硬件协议，(2)识别视网膜组织的大脑视觉区域的协议，(3)获取和分析脑电图数据的协助和培训，以及(4)在实验过程中监测受试者凝视方向和眼球运动模式的设备。共聚焦显微镜模块将提供共聚焦专家的服务，该专家将管理两个设施：(1)使用奥林巴斯FV1000共聚焦显微镜和Prairie Technologies双光子显微镜的共聚焦设施，以及(2)图像分析设施。组织学模块将提供一个设备齐全的组织学实验室和组织学家的服务。服务包括组织包埋和切片、切片染色、免疫组织化学、原位细胞死亡检测、原位杂交、RNA的Q-PCR分析、核酸酶保护分析、RNA提取和蛋白质分析。每个模块将由持有NEI-R01拨款的既定研究者指导。核心奖助金将由一个由奖助金负责人和四位模块主任组成的咨询小组管理。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Core Grant for Vision Research will further the research goals of 17 vision researchers at the University of Minnesota holding 16 NEI-R01 grants by supporting four service modules. The Visual Testing module will assess visual function in rats, mice and other small animals by measuring the electroretinogram, the visual evoked potential, and the optokinetic response. The module will be managed by a visual testing technician who will maintain the test equipment, provide training to Core Grant investigators and staff, and run tests on experimental animals. The Neuroimaging module will assist investigators who study higher order visual function in humans and non-human primates. The module will provide the services of a neuroimaging specialist and (1) software protocols and hardware for visual stimulus presentation to subjects in magnetic resonance scanners, (2) protocols for identifying retinotopically organized visual areas in the brain, (3) assistance and training for acquiring and analyzing EEG data, and (4) equipment for monitoring subjects' direction of gaze and patterns of eye movements during experiments. The Confocal Microscopy module will provide the services of a confocal specialist who will manage two facilities: (1) a confocal facility utilizing an Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope and a Prairie Technologies two-photon microscope, and (2) an image analysis facility. The Histology module will provide a fully equipped histology laboratory and the services of a histologist. Services include, embedding and sectioning of tissue, staining of sections, immunohistochemistry, in situ cell death detection, in situ hybridization, Q-PCR analysis of RNA, nuclease protection assays, RNA extraction, and protein assays. Each module will be directed by an established investigator holding an NEI-R01 grant. The core grant will be administered by an advisory group comprised of the grant PI and the four module directors.