Synthetic azobenzene photoswitches can bypass the degenerated rod and cone photoreceptors of a blind retina and directly photosensitize retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to restore light-response. This proposal outlines a novel in vivo imaging platform that utilizes 2-photon tracking scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (2P-tSLO) and GCaMP6 Ca2+ imaging to visualize RGCs of blind rd1 mice that have reanimated light sensitivity. The research planned in this fellowship entails 1) the development of an optimized photoswitch delivery system using Ca2+ imaging and multielectrode array electrophysiology and 2) the evaluation of photoswitch light-restoration using in vivo Ca2+ imaging.

Public Health Relevance

This proposal seeks to image the re-animation of light responses in an intact blind retina that has been treated with an azobenzene photoswitch. The planned research will utilize a combination of Ca2+ imaging and a unique in vivo optical microscopy assay based on scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. These studies will provide insight into a novel method to restore light sensitivity and will establish a new assay to examine the restoration of light- sensitivity in vivo.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32EY029983-01A1
Application #
9835859
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Agarwal, Neeraj
Project Start
2019-08-07
Project End
2022-08-06
Budget Start
2019-08-07
Budget End
2020-08-06
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Graduate Schools
DUNS #
124726725
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94710