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X. NANCY XU: The objective of BRAIN EAGER grant is to develop
new type of imaging tool, enable us to locate how synapse
functions in real time. Particularly aim to understand
how individual neurons communicate with each other,
at molecular resolution in real time.
So each of these neurons communicate with
each other through the synapse. So the synapse is a
dynamic structure between the neurons that enables the
communication between the neurons. So the dynamic means it
changes over time. They have very complex molecular machinery
and also including a multiple type of molecule, including
different type of neurotransmitter and
neurotransmitter receptor. Now molecular interaction between a
neurotransmitter and receptor lead into the signaling process.
What that means is that particular interaction at
particular moment enable particular signaling process.
Our current technology cannot do that so what our technology is
able to do is we are able to make a different color of
particle based upon the different size and shape and
they have different optical properties. What that means is
that each of these particles, when you go down to nanometer
scale, you can able to tune in on them based on the size and
shape. And therefore they give you different colors. So we
photodevelop using our imaging tool to allow us to look at
individual color or particle simultaneously. You can just use
a standard optical microscope lamp and allow us to look at
potentially hundreds of different colors of molecules.
And we can actually functionalize with this
individual color of particles, different molecule, and
therefore allow you to look at multiple types of molecule
simultaneously. So what that means is that you can
potentially look at multiple neurotransmitter. As it is,
these are very small area which is about 20 nanometers gap
between these two neurons which is so-called 'synapse cleft.' So
how they actually interact to enable the signaling process.
And one very important part is this type of particle is very,
very photo-stable. So therefore allow you to look over time as
long as you wish. So you can look over hours, you can look
over days and potentially months. Now this type of
particle not only image 'em by optical but also potentially
image them using MRI. So therefore you can actually look
at a brain without cut them up. Which is a new type of study. So
what kind of application this kind of study can lead to, to
understand how brain functions. So first of all you need to know
how brain functions at molecular scale because actually it's
molecule to molecule interaction to within the brain
function. Now Alzheimer's Disease is because we actually,
our memories loss. So there are study that already demonstrated
that signaling process between these neurons, these
interactions lead to the storage of the information and memory.
So just imagine your circle is disrupted. So therefore you can
no longer function. How to repair them. So in order to
repair them you need to know what's the machinery between the
interactions. Also more importantly you can also imagine
how to potentially repair brain trauma. So these are the types
of applications you can think about. Also think about how drug
addiction is actually related to the neurotransmitter interacting
with their receptor which is dopamine. But also people have
depression which is actually related to the other type of
neurotransmitter which is serotonin. So this is a
bottom-up approach to understand how brain functions. So
therefore we can actually define therapy to inhibit or enhance
the neuron-neuron communication. So this type of study
potentially can revolutionize our understanding how human mind
functions but also potentially to develop the therapy to cure
and also prevent brain disorders.
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