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Application and Dissemination of the BRAIN Initiative Tool CaMPARI

Award Number: R34NS148215
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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Application and Dissemination of the BRAIN Initiative Tool CaMPARI - The validated BRAIN Initiative tool CaMPARI3 enables permanent labeling of activated neurons through green- to-red photoconversion, facilitating the linkage of functional neural activity with transcriptomic identity. Leveraging the expertise of its developers, Drs. Marie-Eve Paquet and Hod Dana, this project seeks to establish the feasibility of applying CaMPARI3 to link functionally characterized corneal primary afferent neurons—diverse, highly specialized neurons critical for ocular pain and homeostasis— with their molecular signatures and to integrate this tool into broader neuroscience research at the University of New England (UNE), a resource-limited institution with growing biomedical research capacity. Aim 1 will determine whether CaMPARI3 can be used to label physiologically distinct subpopulations of corneal-projecting trigeminal neurons in both healthy and dry eye conditions. Photoconverted neurons, activated via thermal and chemical stimulation, will be probed using multiplex RNAscope to map functional responses with molecular profiles. This proof-of-concept study will generate preliminary data for future R01 applications aimed at uncovering mechanisms of chronic corneal pain and identifying novel targets for its treatment. Aim 2 will expand CaMPARI utilization across UNE through annual summer courses, targeted virtual trainings, and creation of online educational resources. With expert guidance from BRAIN disseminators Drs. Marie-Eve Paquet and Hod Dana, and in partnership with the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry, UNE will develop the infrastructure and expertise to support widespread CaMPARI implementation for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Incorporating trainings on CaMPARI and related technologies into courses offered by UNE’s research core facilities will ensure continued support for this BRAIN Initiative tool beyond the funding period.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $319,500 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND	11 HILLS BEACH RD	BIDDEFORD	ME	04005	YORK	USA	21st Century Cures Act -Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies	000	1	8/26/2026	NEW	$319,500
														Subtotal = $319,500

Grand Total All Awards = $319,500

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Application and Dissemination of the BRAIN Initiative Tool CaMPARI

Award Number: R34NS148215

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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