Project Details
Projekt
3-photon microscope for in vivo experiments
Subject Area
Neurosciences
Term
Funded in 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 551867552
One of the biggest challenges in neuroscience is to understand how neural networks drive behavior. To address this question, we need to measure the activity of extensive neuronal populations deep in the intact brain of an awake animal during behavior. Even in the small rodent brain, however, this task presents us with major challenges. Three-photon microscopy has proven to be a breakthrough in capturing neuronal activity in awake animals with high spatial and temporal resolution, even at great depth. With this application, we want to acquire a state-of-the-art 3-photon microscope at Jena University Hospital, which will allow us to study the neuronal basis of behavior in health and disease with the highest temporal and spatial resolution. A 3-photon microscope is a special imaging system that uses long-wavelength photons to excite fluorescent molecules in tissue. Compared to conventional 2-photon microscopy, 3-photon microscopy has decisive advantages, especially when imaging deep tissue layers: the longer wavelength of the excitation light and the non-linear excitation of higher order lead to a decisive improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio at depth. These properties not only lead to quantitative improvements, but also make it possible for the first time to observe the activity of brain structures that were previously difficult to access, such as the hippocampus, through the intact rodent brain over longer periods of time with high resolution in awake animals. By combining the 3-photon system with a virtual environment for rodents that we have developed, we can precisely monitor and control the behavior of the animals during imaging. This system will allow us to study the neural basis of a wide range of behaviors such as learning, memory and decision making in the intact brain. We will also open up important translational applications. For example, the system can be used to study neurological diseases for which several animal models have been established in Jena. In addition, it can be used in combination with optogenetic methods to precisely and specifically control the activity of certain neuronal circuits. A novel holographic method will be used here that allows us to synchronously manipulate the activity of functionally characterized nerve cell populations. The proposed 3-photon microscope will be the first system of its kind to be set up centrally at the Lobeda Research Center in Jena. It will be available for use by working groups from several clinics and institutes. The unique optical expertise in Jena and our own experience with multiphoton imaging will ensure that the system can be used and further developed efficiently.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
3-Photonen-Mikroskop für in-vivo-Experimente
Instrumentation Group
5090 Spezialmikroskope
Applicant Institution
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
