Project Details
Projekt
Multi-Photon Laser-Scanning Mikroscope
Subject Area
Neurosciences
Term
Funded in 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 461542557
The maintenance of a low intracellular sodium concentration enables the generation of electrical signaling and energizes a multitude of transport processes in the brain. Recent studies, to which our laboratory has contributed significantly, show that physiological activity evokes transient increases in the sodium concentration of both neurons and astrocytes. Moreover, we and others have demonstrated that sodium elevations are central to excitotoxic damage and are critically involved in cellular dysfunction and damage in neurodegenerative disease. Because of the manifold consequences of changes in the sodium gradient, understanding the determinants and characteristics of intracellular sodium homeostasis and signaling in the brain is indispensable. To address these questions, multi-photon laser scanning microscopy has become a method of choice since it enables the measurement of ion transients in small compartments such as dendritic spines or fine astrocytic processes deep in the intact, light-scattering tissue. The Institute of Neurobiology operates a custom-built multi-photon system installed in 2005/2006, which essentially reflects the technical status of the year 2000. To be able to continue performing research at a competitive level, a better temporal and spatial resolution of fluorescence signals by employing modern, state-of-the-art multi-photon imaging is required. We therefore apply for funds for a new multi-photon laser scanning microscope which shall be equipped with components for dynamic fluorescence lifetime imaging, an uncaging/opto-stimulation unit and electrophysiology. Commercially available major modules will be combined with customized and existing equipment, resulting in an excellent cost/performance ratio of the proposed system. The new multi-photon system will be central for the majority of our research projects and be operated daily for ~12 hours by the Institute of Neurobiology. It will be located in new laboratory facilities that are already equipped with the necessary infrastructure including laser safety requirements. The system will be set-up and maintained by tenured academic staff with long-standing expertise in multi-photon imaging and fluorescence microscopy. Data will be collected and managed complying the standards of good scientific practice and adhering the FAIR principles. This includes recording metadata using an electronic lab notebook, and making experimental data available through open access files, depositories, and specific neuroscience databases right after publication. The new multi-photon system will add a new quality to our methodological repertoire and will considerably strengthen our future proposals for extramural funding. It will moreover enable us to address new research questions at an internationally competitive level, thereby also fostering our collaborations with our local, national as well as international partners.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Multi-Photonen Laser-Scanning Mikroskop
Instrumentation Group
5090 Spezialmikroskope
Applicant Institution
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
