John White

Assessing Methods for Imaging Activity in Multiple Cell Types Simultaneously

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Recent advances have produced genetically encoded proteins that allow researchers to measure neural activity using fluorescent indicators. We are working to improve these methods to allow simultaneous imaging of multiple types of neurons, with cellular resolution. We are using two approaches. In the transgenic approach, we take advantage of available transgenic animals. In the viral approach, we introduce genetically encoded indicators using viruses. Our goal is to compare the efficacy of the transgenic and viral approaches. Students working on this project will learn about neuroscience, molecular biology, inmmunohistochemistry, microscopy, and image processing.

LABORATORY MENTOR
Fernando Fernandez

RESEARCH GOALS
1. Optimize methods to process brain tissue for immunohistochemical analysis.
2. Analyze immunohistochemical results.
3. Develop methods for automated, accurate cell counting from stained slides.

LEARNING GOALS
1. Learn about neuroscience and neurophysiology.
2. Learn about molecular biology, and how it can be used to record activity from neurons.
3. Learn the theory and practice of immunohistochemistry.
4. Learn about fluorescence microscopy.
5. Learn about software that can be used to analyze scientific images, either manually or automatically.

Learn more about Professor White on his faculty page.