Acquisition of a microscope system for the stereological analysis of brain circuitries

在NSERC的支持下，我建议购买一台研究和训练仪器（RTI），对大脑神经细胞生长和可塑性的生物机制进行最先进的研究。该RTI基本上由通过数码相机连接到配备有新开发的软件的计算机的显微镜组成，该软件允许获得微观元素（如细胞及其过程）的无偏估计。通过这个系统，我们将研究称为“神经调节蛋白”的生长因子在未成熟和成年大脑皮层中称为树突的神经细胞过程的发育和可塑性中所起的作用。总之，获得这种RTI将有助于我们理解神经细胞生长和适应脑回路背后的机制。

With NSERC's support, I propose to purchase a research and training instrument (RTI) to conduct state-of-the-art studies on the biological mechanisms underlying the growth and plasticity of nerve cells in the brain. This RTI consists essentially of a microscope connected via a digital camera to a computer equipped with newly developed softwares which allow to obtain unbiased estimates of microscopic elements such as cells and their processes. With this system, we will investigate the roles played by growth factors called "neuregulins" in the development and plasticity of nerve cell processes known as dendrites in the immature and adult cerebral cortex. In brief, the acquisition of this RTI will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms behind nerve cell growth and adaptation in brain circuitries.