Nanoscale-resolution reconstructions of the complete architectures of neurons offer the potential to revolutionize the study of neuronal circuitry in normal and diseased brains but this promise is far from realized because the larger neuroscience community cannot access the technologies that provide nanoscale reconstructions over large volumes and the computational infrastructure required to analyze them. As a result, neuroanatomy at the nanoscale is restricted to one-off studies of smaller volumes, rarely extending past small volume reconstructions in single animals (n<=1), and accessible only to labs that can afford the extraordinary time commitment, labor, and expense required to reconstruct even simple neuronal circuits. Here we propose a novel approach: rather than developing more and more sophisticated hardware for nanoscale reconstructions of the brain, we propose to develop a toolbox of accessible molecular, chemical, and computational approaches for accurate nanoscale reconstructions of large volumes of the brain targeting fluorescence microscopy and the conventional confocal microscope ? two of the most widely accessed tools in the neuroscience arsenal. By providing an accessible pipeline to reconstructing the natural shape and space between brain cells found in the living brain over wide range of experimental conditions, we will help deliver access to comprehensive nanoscale neuroanatomy to the broader neuroscience community.

Public Health Relevance

Here we propose to radically transform access to complete nanoscale reconstructions of brain architecture over large volumes. By dramatically increasing the ease with which nanoscale reconstructions can be accomplished, we will enable a new generation of large scale nanometer resolution studies of brains that will finally detail the anatomical patterns in normal and diseased brains, potentially identifying therapies for many neurological disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH110932-01
Application #
9169805
Study Section
Molecular Neurogenetics Study Section (MNG)
Program Officer
Freund, Michelle
Project Start
2016-07-01
Project End
2020-04-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$790,324
Indirect Cost
$148,503
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
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