Conchita Zuazaga - US grants

9353130 Zuazaga The proposal requests funds to establish an Imaging Center for the Institute of Neurobiology. Four instruments to perform major cell image analysis or tissue processing are requested: 1) a photometry/microscope system for quantitative fluorescence analysis, 2) a confocal microscope, 3) a ultramicrotome for serial sectioning, and 4) a three-dimensional reconstruction and morphometry system. The equipment will expand capabilities of eight research projects involving ten of the Institute's resident investigators, four of them Hispanic women, their students, and collaborators from mainland institutions. The development of cell imaging research will not only enhance current research at the Institute but will also further involve minority students in state- of-the-art neurobiological research. ***

The mechanism which couples depolarization of the cell membrane to the evaluation of intracellular Ca2+ which results in contraction continues to be one of the most intriguing features of muscle physiology. In all muscle types this mechanism is subject to modulation, the classical example being the regulation of myocardial contraction by neurotransmitters and drugs. The broad, long-term objectives of this research are to gain an understanding of excitation-contraction coupling in muscles that require extracellular Ca1+ for contractile activation, and its modulation by neurotransmitters and drugs, using the ventroabdominal flexor muscle of the crustacean Atya lanipes as a model. The specific aims of the project are to: 1) use immunohistochemical methods to determine the presence of proctolin and octopamine in neurons in the ventral nerve cord or nerve endings on muscle fibers; 2) determine if these substances enhance Ca2+ currents in muscle fibers and begin to explore the mechanism by which Ca+ currents are enhanced; 3) determine the threshold membrane potential for contractile activation, and assess the effects of extracellular Ca2+, tetracaine, proctolin and octopamine on contractile activation; 4) characterize nonlinear charge movement in Atya skeletal muscle and determine whether proctolin and octopamine alter charge movement; 5) determine, detubulating the fibers with the glycerol method, the localization of the Ca2+ channels. The results of these experiments may provide important insights into the mechanisms that link membrane potential changes to the generation of tension in this and other Ca2+- dependent muscles.

structural biology; technology /technique development; nervous system; genetics; biotechnology;

structural biology; nervous system; inborn metabolism disorder; biotechnology; minority institution research support; technology /technique;

In response to RNA #RR-00-003, entitled Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) submits this multi-disciplinary application entitled Center for Molecular Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience. This proposal is part of a UPR systemwide initiative to move the institution into the Research I category according to the Carnegie Classification. The University is nurturing and promoting the formation of these systemwide efforts under its initiative to create Multi-campus and Multi-disciplinary Research Institutes. The COBRE proposal could serve as the foundation for the development of one of these institutes. The prime objectives of this proposal are to: 1) create a competitive research center in neuroscience that will optimize the capacity of the UPR system to compete nationally, 2) develop young scientists into competitive RO1 researchers under the leadership of a Center Director and the scientific guidance of an External Advisory Committee; and 3) expand the capacity of a neuroscience research in Puerto Rico. The goals of the proposed collaborative research projects are to advance the scientific understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal injury, emotional memory, cocaine- seeking behavior, and the expression of maternal behavior. These goals and objectives will be achieved by: 1) hiring an established researcher in the field of neuroscience to provide leadership and guidance to the Center; 2) hiring three additional competitive researchers to develop a cadre of neuroscience competency in PR; and 3) providing a supportive and nurturing environment (with the full backing of the administration) for the developing young faculty. The Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Edward A. Kravitz, George Packer Berry Professor of Neurobiology at the Harvard School of Medicine, will provide scientific guidance for the development of a strong thrust in neuroscience at UPR and the development of RO1 researchers. The University will provide the resources ($2.5 M in direct match funds plus four professional lines) for recruiting and hiring the Permanent Center Director and three new scientists and provide them the necessary startup funds to help them establish their laboratories.

In response to RNA #RR-00-003, entitled Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) submits this multi-disciplinary application entitled Center for Molecular Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience. This proposal is part of a UPR systemwide initiative to move the institution into the Research I category according to the Carnegie Classification. The University is nurturing and promoting the formation of these systemwide efforts under its initiative to create Multi-campus and Multi-disciplinary Research Institutes. The COBRE proposal could serve as the foundation for the development of one of these institutes. The prime objectives of this proposal are to: 1) create a competitive research center in neuroscience that will optimize the capacity of the UPR system to compete nationally, 2) develop young scientists into competitive RO1 researchers under the leadership of a Center Director and the scientific guidance of an External Advisory Committee; and 3) expand the capacity of a neuroscience research in Puerto Rico. The goals of the proposed collaborative research projects are to advance the scientific understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal injury, emotional memory, cocaine- seeking behavior, and the expression of maternal behavior. These goals and objectives will be achieved by: 1) hiring an established researcher in the field of neuroscience to provide leadership and guidance to the Center; 2) hiring three additional competitive researchers to develop a cadre of neuroscience competency in PR; and 3) providing a supportive and nurturing environment (with the full backing of the administration) for the developing young faculty. The Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Edward A. Kravitz, George Packer Berry Professor of Neurobiology at the Harvard School of Medicine, will provide scientific guidance for the development of a strong thrust in neuroscience at UPR and the development of RO1 researchers. The University will provide the resources ($2.5 M in direct match funds plus four professional lines) for recruiting and hiring the Permanent Center Director and three new scientists and provide them the necessary startup funds to help them establish their laboratories.