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Developing and Optimizing an Appropriate Imaging Technology for Neuronal Cells Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Project Description Clinical studies suggest the co-morbidity of functional pain syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) fibromyalgia and chronic pelvic pain approaches as much as 60%, and that the incidence of episodic or persistent visceral pain (nociception) associated with these “functional” disorders is two to three times higher in women than in men. One of the possible explanations for this phenomenon is the estrogen modulation of pain transmission, and this modulation is being studied at a peripheral nervous site, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Developing imaging modalities for nociceptive neurons in DRG will provide a diagnostic opportunity for these pain syndromes. Recent advances in techniques using nanomechanical forces as signal offer unprecedented opportunities for studying structural and biochemical properties of single cell with high resolution and sensitivity. One of the techniques that utilize nanomechanical forces is atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM and its variations can be used to obtain surface topographic information and subsurface structural images of cells and biomolecules with nanometer resolution. In addition to surface analysis, nanomechanical responses also offer unique ways of investigating many biochemical properties of cells, and can also be used for specific molecular recognition. These imaging technologies can therefore enhance the imaging potential for various neuronal cells, when these cells are isolated or exist in tissue sections. We will develop imaging applications for topographical surface analysis and identification of specific functional molecular markers, with an ultimate goal of developing a diagnostic tool. Laboratory Contact: Ram H. Datar, M. Phil., Ph. D. Senior Staff, Nanoscale Sciences and Devices Group, datarrh@ornl.gov Applicants’ Responsibilities and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2008. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently. It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified. Qualifications of Ideal Candidates The selected Faculty will have an ongoing medical research program with
requirement of incorporation of novel imaging techniques to understand
the disease progression and to help in disease diagnosis. Support and Financial Commitments The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $400/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL. Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.
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Project Descriptions