PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This project aims to disseminate validated technologies and resources of the National Center for Microscopy
and Imaging Research (NCMIR) at UC San Diego to advance the completion of strategic goals of the BRAIN
Initiative. The proposed technology integration and dissemination resource will provide the neuroscience
community with technical help to obtain and manage large scale data, broadening the access to and
incorporation of high throughput multiscale imaging tools and leading-edge analysis strategies in their studies.
Richly integrated resources will be offered, including molecular probes, imaging platforms and data analysis tools
certain to enable and hasten brain research. The types of research projects we will support, include: 1)
investigations requiring the traversal of spatiotemporal scales to reveal new insight and understanding of specific
neural populations; 2) investigations which aim to mark and track neuronal processes and/or visualize targeted
connectomes of local circuits within large volumes of nervous tissue in multiple animal models; 3) projects which
seek to perform nano-histological assessment of cellular and subcellular level alterations associated with
learning, physiological state, or disease; and 4) projects performing higher resolution 3D morphometric analysis
of subcellular underpinnings of function, with particular emphasis on synaptic function as influenced by
subcellular constituents. This new center will leverage an administrative framework and information technology
cyberinfrastructure which is already in place and has been refined over many years. In addition to providing a
management structure, this framework includes a community outreach, project review, selection, and onboarding
process refined and long practiced by the PI (and the assembled team). Additional mechanisms for
tool/technology dissemination and training, data management and sharing, and mechanisms for cost-recovery
and long-term sustainability will also be leveraged and expanded so as to maximize the reach and impact of our
technologies and resources.
