Neuronal Mapping of Pharmacological Responses
How brain as a whole organ react to drugs? Can we map neuronal response across different brain regions in response to drugs? Are you interested in learning AI-assisted imaging analysis?
Project description
This project is designed to generate neuronal activation maps within the mouse brain in response to various categories of drugs, with a particular emphasis on stimulants such as methamphetamine and nicotine. We employ a specialized mouse model wherein neuronal activation can be permanently marked by a fluorescence signal. In addition, using immunolabeling we can identify the neuronal populations that are activated with a particular drug. By utilizing fluorescence microscopy, AI-assisted brain registration and cellular counting techniques, we will able to construct comprehensive maps of neuronal activation throughout the brain in response to pharmacological challenges.
Project outcome
At the conclusion of this summer project the student will create a poster to present the obtained data and results in our local undergraduate and neuroscience research days.
Learning outcomes
The student will learn fosTRAPing, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, digital tissue clearing, AI-assisted rodent brain atlas registration and AI-assisted cellular counting.
Project details
| Length of commitment | About a semester; 3-5 months |
| Start time | Summer, Fall |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Potential academic credit, work study, and/or stipend |
| Who is eligible | Sophomores, juniors, and seniors |
Project mentor
Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
Assistant Professor
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Phone: (716) 829-2833
Email: sd83@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about the digital badge.)
Preparation activities
The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.
Keywords
pharmacology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, AI, bioinformatics, addiction, dopamine, brain, neuron