Addiction Neural Dynamics Core

University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMARY: Addiction Neural Dynamics Core Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder due to perturbations in neural circuits. To better understand the underlying pathophysiological processes occurring in addiction and the actions of new therapies, there are pressing needs to monitor neural activity and structure during addiction and relapse. Visualization of nervous system function and structure in the intact, behaving animal is a powerful approach to meet these needs. Recent advances in genetically encoded Ca2+, voltage, and neurotransmitter indicators and imaging tools, large-scale high-density microelectrode recordings, and sophisticated neural and behavioral analyses have greatly expanded the opportunities for probing the nervous system at work. Many labs at the University of Minnesota (UMN) lack the equipment and expertise to perform many of these advanced imaging and recording techniques during behavior. Nor is it possible for most investigators to keep up with the rapid changes in these tools, either in the engineering or application domains. The Addiction Neural Dynamics Core (ANDC) is designed to allow addiction and other researchers to take advantage of these modern techniques to probe brain function during behavior. Providing access to up-to-date imaging and recording techniques, engineering, and manufacturing support, as well as computational tools, will reduce the time and costs needed to set up experiments and process data, lower the entry barriers for both new and established investigators, and assist in developing new imaging tools and applications. Aim 1 is to provide resources, expertise, and training in three in vivo imaging technologies used in behaving animals: 1) wide FOV imaging of the cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex during both headfixed and freely moving behaviors; 2) fiber photometry to monitor the activity of genetically defined elements in neural circuits; and 3) engineering expertise for use of miniscopes and for realizing customized imaging devices/solutions. Each of these technologies is critical to understanding how neural circuits change in addiction. The ANDC will also provide sophisticated hardware and software to monitor and analyze behavior. Aim 2 strives to expand the capabilities of our existing technologies. These include: 1) begin to dissect out the entire addiction circuit using simultaneous multi-Neuropixel probes using our cranial-exoskeleton; 2) develop the capabilities and expertise for cortex wide and deep brain miniscope imaging of neurotransmitter signaling; 3) implement voltage imaging using the newest classes of genetically encoded voltage indicators. Enhancing the imaging and recording modalities will elevate the research problems addressed, translational perspective, and overall impact as well as increase the number of ANDC investigators. The ANDC will provide the research infrastructure, expertise and training to allow the addiction community to image and record neuronal activity and neural circuitry during behavior. Providing these tools will enhance the productivity, quality, and impact of addiction-related and other neuroscience research at the UMN.