Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

My NSERC-funded research program studies the effects of retinoic acid (the metabolite of Vitamin A) on nervous system function. In particular, we study novel non-genomic effects of retinoic acid on neurite outgrowth (and growth cone turning behaviour) during neuronal regeneration, as well as during synaptic changes (plasticity). To this end, we utilize identified adult neurons of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis, as these neurons regenerate and reform specific synaptic connections in vitro. Key to the success of my research program is a recording suite that consists of a Zeiss inverted microscope equipped with fluorescence capabilities, as well as precision micromanipulators and electrical recording equipment to allow for simultaneous electrophysiological measurements from cultured neurons, neurites or synaptically connected cell pairs. This equipment is now over 20 years old (some is older) and is either no longer functioning properly or has completely failed. This recording rig is the only one of its kind at Brock University. As well as being required daily by my own graduate and undergraduate students (HQP), my collaborators at Brock (and their HQP) also have access. At present, the inability to replace the old and failed equipment is severely hindering the progress of my entire research program, the progress and output of my HQP, and is negatively affecting my collaborations. I am thus requesting upgrades to the imaging capabilities of this microscope, in order to provide more suitable and sophisticated capabilities to image various signaling molecules in cultured neurons (microRNAs, mRNAS and tagged proteins). I also desperately require new precision micromanipulators and electrical recording equipment to continue our electrophysiological studies of the effects of retinoic acid on ion channel activity and synaptic function. All of the graduate students trained in my lab over the last 20 years, as well as many Honours thesis undergraduate students and NSERC-USRA students, have been trained on and have used this recording and imaging rig. As the only female Neurobiologist in my department (and indeed the Faculty of Math and Science), I am a mentor to female students and strongly promote equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of my research program. In summary, without the requested equipment, this rig will no longer be functioning as intended, and will jeopardize my ability to carry out the experiments outlined in my recent NSERC Discovery grant (2021-2026) as well as my ability to continue to train HQP. All of the research carried out in my lab is funded by NSERC and contributes solely to NSE.