Ultrafast Functional Ultrasound Imaging of the Brain

我们代表了一群独特的细胞和系统级神经科学家，他们集中在蒙特卡罗大学（UdeM）校园的神经科学重点大楼里，研究不同的动物模型。我们的研究项目的范围目前是有限的，因为迫切缺乏对皮层深层和皮层下脑区域的网络级活动进行功能成像的基础设施，而UdeM校园内没有这样的设备。超声功能超声成像（fUS）是神经科学中迅速兴起的一种介观成像方法，它以前所未有的空间和时间分辨率测量1.5厘米深度的血液速度或体积变化。FUS在成本、时空分辨率、与其他光学和电生理设备的兼容性以及易于在清醒、行为、甚至自由运动的动物中使用等方面优于其他全脑血流动力学成像方法（如fMRI）。我们迫切需要在蒙特卡罗大学校园里安装一个fUS系统来回答我们研究项目中的基本神经科学问题。该基础设施的增加将：1)为动物模型中尺度脑活动模式成像和该领域HQP训练提供急需的平台；2)促进脑深部区域和跨物种的功能成像；3)提高我们对血流动力学脑成像信号的理解和解释；4)导致新的fUS数据采集和图像重建方法的发展；5)在我们的团队中整合细胞和系统级别的神经科学家。我们有独特的准备利用最近招募的NSERC资助的研究人员的独特专业知识，他们在FUS成像技术的开发和应用以及它们与细胞和分子方法的结合方面建立了专业知识。通过在UdeM实施fUS系统，这是一项快速发展的脑成像前沿技术，我们将在战略上将自己定位为加拿大该领域的领导者。UdeM神经科学家手中的超快功能超声成像平台的实施，将促进我们研究小组细胞和系统级方法的整合，并在强大的多学科环境中培训HQP最新和最先进的成像技术。从长远来看，在这种fUS成像系统上进行的研究将有助于架起动物和人类研究的桥梁。

We represent a unique group of cellular and systems level neuroscientists concentrated in a Neuroscience focused building on the campus of Université de Montréal (UdeM), working across different animal models. The scope of our research projects is currently limited by an urgent lack of infrastructure for functional imaging of network level activity in deep cortical layers and subcortical brain regions with no such equipment present on UdeM campus. Ultrasound Functional Ultrasound Imaging (fUS) is a rapidly emerging mesoscopic imaging method in neuroscience, which measures changes in blood velocity or volume with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution at depths of 1.5 centimeters. FUS is advantageous to other brain wide hemodynamic imaging approaches (e.g. fMRI) in terms of its cost, spatialtemporal resolution, compatibility with other optical and electrophysiology equipment, and ease of use in awake, behaving, and even freely moving animals. We urgently need an fUS system on campus at Université de Montréal to answer fundamental neuroscience questions within our research programs. The addition of this infrastructure will: 1) Provide an urgently needed platform for imaging mesoscale brain activity patterns in animal models and training of HQP in this domain; 2) Facilitate functional imaging of deep brain regions and across species in our group; 3) Improve our understanding and interpretation of hemodynamic brain imaging signals; 4) Lead to development of novel fUS data acquisition and image reconstruction approaches; 5) Integrate cellular and systems level neuroscientists in our groups. We are uniquely poised to capitalize on the unique expertise of recently recruited NSERC funded researchers who have established expertise in development and application of FUS imaging technologies and their combination with cellular and molecular approaches. By implementing a fUS system at UdeM, a rapidly expanding technique at the forefront of brain imaging, we will position ourselves strategically as leaders in this field within Canada. The implementation of an ultrafast functional ultrasound imaging platform in the hands of neuroscientists at UdeM, will promote the integration of cellular and systems level approaches in our research groups and train HQP on the most current and advanced imaging technologies in a strong multidisciplinary environment. Over the long term, research performed on this fUS imaging system will help bridge animal and human studies.